Okpebholo vows five-minute response to Edo security threats

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration is putting measures in place to enable security agencies to respond to threats within five minutes across the state.

The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying Okpebholo gave the assurance during a service at Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, along Sapele Road, Benin City.

Okpebholo said his administration would continue to prioritise the safety of residents and improve security across the state within the next month.

He said dedicated emergency numbers would soon be made available to the public, urging residents and others in distress to use the numbers to seek immediate security assistance.

“We will continue to work for Edo people. In terms of security, Edo will be safer in the next month. We will be able to respond to security threats in any part of the state within five minutes,” Okpebholo said.

He added that the administration’s goal was to make Edo safer than it met it by tackling kidnapping, robbery and other criminal activities.

The governor thanked the church for its prayers and support for his administration, saying he was pleased to be a member of Winners Chapel.

He also said his administration was committed to ensuring that residents could live and conduct their businesses safely in the state.

The pastor of the church, Emmanuel Ebiye, commended the governor for his developmental agenda and efforts to improve the state.

Ebiye also thanked Okpebholo for donating food items, including rice and cooking oil, to churches, saying the items would be distributed to members.

“We appreciate your transformation, development and growth experience across all sectors in the state. I pray for grace to be with you. Thank you for all you are doing for Edo people,” he said.

Okpebholo and his entourage later visited Rock of Ages Christian Assembly International along Sapele Road, where its General Overseer, Charles Osazuwa, said the 2027 general election would be peaceful and Nigeria would remain united.

Osazuwa urged Nigerians not to listen to what he described as prophecies of doom about the country, saying elections would come and go without disrupting the nation’s continuity.

He also urged Christians to acquire skills and pursue activities that would enable them to contribute to the economy, while calling on leaders to invest in human capital.

He cited scholarships he received during the administrations of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Ambrose Alli as examples of how education could empower people.

Meanwhile, Okpebholo said the procurement process for the construction of roads, including what he referred to as “mechanics and peanut roads,” was almost complete and work would soon begin.

He said contractors would be expected to work through the rainy season to accelerate the completion of the projects.

The governor also said the state was making progress in tackling insecurity and urged residents to pray for President Bola Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy, which he linked to improved road infrastructure across the country.