Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has assured residents that his administration will not relent in protecting lives and property.

In a message by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele on Thursday, the governor said security remained his first responsibility, noting that farming, trade, investment and every other economic activity depend on peace.

“We have worked hard to make Edo safer. We are rebuilding our roads, upgrading our schools and hospitals, and creating opportunities for our teeming youths.

“The safety of every Edo citizen, in the city and in the village, remains my first duty,” he said.

Okpebholo said his administration would continue to work with all security agencies, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders as key partners given their closeness to the people and their knowledge of local terrain.

“Edo State is not a safe place for criminals,” the governor warned, cautioning those who may attempt to disturb the peace of the state.

Beyond security, Okpebholo said his government was pursuing improvements in healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and education under the SHINE Agenda.

He cited the reopening of several hospitals across the state that had been shut for years, some for close to two decades, and the enrolment of more than 600,000 residents in the Edo State Health Insurance Scheme (EDOHIC).

The governor noted that salaries were being paid regularly and that Edo remained one of the few states implementing the ₦75,000 minimum wage.

While acknowledging that “there is still much to do,” he said the gains so far were a foundation to build on, not a finished job.

The governor commended Edo residents for their patience adding that “Government exists to serve you, and I will keep listening, even when the feedback is uncomfortable”.

We are grateful to the President and Commander-in-chief, our father, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his efforts to reposition Nigeria for greatness. His Renewed Hope Agenda is but a necessary decision for a national revival, and it is already moving our nation towards economic stability and growth.

The governor urged citizens to use the 66th Independence anniversary to recommit to peace and unity, adding that true patriotism is reflected in how citizens treat one another and protect public assets.

He wished Edo people a peaceful celebration and prayed for the continued progress of the state and the nation.

Also, the Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and commit to building a stronger, united, and prosperous nation.

Idahosa made the call in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He described October 1 as a reminder of the courage and sacrifices of the generation that secured Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

The deputy governor said Nigeria had demonstrated remarkable resilience despite its challenges, adding that its greatest strength remained its people and diversity.

He urged Nigerians to recommit to the ideals of unity, peace, justice, democracy and shared prosperity.

“Nigeria is a nation of great promise. We may have faced challenges along the way, but our story is not one of failure; it is one of resilience, courage, and an unbroken determination to build a better country.

“The Nigeria of our dreams will not be built by government alone. It requires the patriotism, sacrifices, creativity, and commitment of every Nigerian,” he said.

Idahosa commended President Bola Tinubu for efforts to reposition the economy and strengthen the foundation for sustainable development, assuring that sub-national governments would continue to support the national development agenda.

He also reaffirmed the commitment of the Gov. Monday Okpebholo-led administration to improving lives in Edo through investments in security, infrastructure, healthcare, education, agriculture, and human capital development.

Idahosa urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, saying nation-building required patience, sacrifice, and responsible citizenship.

“Let us choose hope over despair, unity over division, and service over selfishness. The Nigeria we desire is possible if we work together and put the interest of our nation above our differences,” he said.

He congratulated Nigerians on the anniversary and prayed for continued peace, unity, prosperity, and progress across the federation.