Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Sunday led members of his cabinet and top All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwarts to the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Auchi for a special thanksgiving mass commemorating his first year in office.

The event, held under the serene atmosphere of the historic cathedral, was both spiritual and symbolic for the governor, who returned to the same altar where he had made a solemn promise before last year’s governorship election.

“Sometime last year, I stood in this church and vowed that if God granted me victory at the primaries and the main election, I would return here to give thanks,” Okpebholo recalled. “Today, I am here to fulfil that vow.”

The governor’s remarks were contained in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua.

‘You Spoke My Mind,’ Okpebholo Tells Bishop Dunia

Expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Catholic Bishop of Auchi Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, Governor Okpebholo described the clergy and faithful of the diocese as vital partners in the journey toward a better Edo State.

“I want to thank Bishop Dunia for his prayers, guidance, and unwavering support. When he spoke today, he spoke my mind,” the governor said.

The governor used the occasion to reflect on his administration’s priorities, emphasizing that his government remains focused on improving road infrastructure and tackling insecurity — challenges he identified as the state’s most pressing concerns.

“As I drove here, my thoughts were on how we can fix our bad roads,” he said. “The second issue on my mind is insecurity. We are determined to fight it with every resource at our disposal until the evil ones are flushed out.”

Governor Condoles Church over Abducted Priests

Addressing recent incidents of kidnapping involving Catholic priests in the diocese, Okpebholo sympathized with the church community and assured them that the government was taking decisive steps to restore peace and security across Edo State.

“There’s not a single day that passes without us worrying about insecurity,” he said. “With your prayers and our continuous efforts, we will soon overcome this challenge.”

Faith, Peace, and Service as Guiding Principles

Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to govern with compassion, accountability, and a strong moral compass.

According to him, public service must be rooted in faith, peace, and a sincere commitment to improving the lives of the people.

The thanksgiving mass was officiated by Bishop Dunia, who centered his homily on *cleanliness, holiness, and gratitude in leadership*. He lauded the governor for reintroducing the state’s monthly environmental sanitation exercise — a policy he described as “essential for public health and moral discipline.”

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Commending Okpebholo for keeping his word, the bishop remarked:

“You made a promise before God and His people that you would return to this altar to give thanks if you won the election. Today, you have honoured that promise — and that is the mark of a man of faith and integrity.”

A Celebration of Gratitude and Governance

The service drew government officials, party leaders, clergy, and parishioners, all united in a shared mood of thanksgiving and reflection.

For Governor Okpebholo, it was not just an anniversary celebration but a spiritual renewal — a reminder that leadership, at its core, is an act of service inspired by faith and gratitude.