By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on the people of the state to continue praying for his administration to sustain ongoing infrastructural gains and drive further development across Edo.
The governor made the appeal during the 2026 Easter programme themed “The Risen Christ and the Risen Edo State,” held at the Government House Chapel in Benin City.
Represented by his Special Adviser on Women in Christ, Pastor Aburime-Walter Courage Iziegbe, Okpebholo described the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a foundation for the all-round infrastructural and human capital development being recorded in the state.
She noted that the Easter message symbolises restoration, hope, and faith, likening the administration’s efforts to a “Calvary experience” that ultimately leads to victory for the people.
“This is a message of wisdom and grace to Edo people. We should keep praying for the governor, his administration, and uphold the state for God to take it to enviable heights,” she said.
“The governor is working and will do more if the people uphold this administration in prayers. We need to encourage him to do more through our collective and individual prayers.”
In his remarks, the Chaplain of the Government House Chapel and Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Apostle Sule Faraday Azekhumen, said a new Edo has emerged under the current administration.
He explained that the Easter celebration goes beyond remembrance, describing it as a revelation of God’s power to transform situations.
“Easter is not a remembrance; it is a revelation. It reveals that whatever is touched by the power of God can rise beyond limitation, move beyond resistance, and enter into a realm of sustained glory,” he said.
Azekhumen added that the theme reflects the administration’s SHINE agenda, where order replaces disorder, strength replaces weakness, and hope replaces uncertainty.
“Since the declaration ‘A New Edo is Risen,’ this administration has remained intentional in translating vision into visible progress. Edo State is not only risen but moving forward with stability, clarity, and purpose,” he added.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication Strategy and Media Projects, Hon. Godswill Inegbe, said the administration has continued to transform promises into tangible results within 15 months in office.
According to him, the governor has embarked on infrastructural development across all sectors and the three senatorial districts, noting that residents can already see visible improvements.
He particularly commended the ongoing construction of the flyover bridge at Ramat Park, describing it as a legacy project that is over 90 per cent completed and will outlive the current administration.
Delivering the sermon, guest speaker, Apostle Favour Mopa-Awom, in a message titled “He Rose To Break Barriers That You Might Rise,” emphasised that Christ’s resurrection signifies victory over limitations.
He assured the congregation that despite life’s challenges, the power of resurrection brings restoration and breakthrough.
The service featured song ministrations by the Government House Choir and guest minister Cassidy Omoruyi Nelson, alongside prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria, peace in Edo State, and divine guidance for the governor and his cabinet.
