Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, led members of the State’s Executive Council (EXCO), along with religious and political leaders and other stakeholders, in a thanksgiving service on Sunday to celebrate the conclusion of his 8-year tenure as governor of Edo State.
In his remarks, Obaseki expressed gratitude to God and to the people of the state for the successes and achievements of his administration over the past eight years.
He was accompanied by his wife, Betsy; Deputy Governor Engr. Marvelous Omobayo Godwins; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; and Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the 2024 governorship election, along with his wife, Ifeyinwa, among others.
The thanksgiving service was held in conjunction with the dedication of the newly renovated Interdenominational Government House Chapel in Benin City, the capital of Edo State.
Others present include the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State Chapter, Apostle Irekpono Omoike; Catholic Archbishop of Benin, Archbishop Augustine Akubueze; Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Edo State chapter, Pastor Mrs. Margaret Agbonifo; General Overseer of the Habitation Church of God and former Chairman of NLC, Edo State chapter, Rev. Olu Aderibigbe and the General Overseer of Covenant Church of God, Felix Omibude, amongst others.
The governor, who thanked the people of the State for the love and support to his administration over the last eight years, said his government has addressed the diverse needs of Edo people of the State and worked tirelessly to leave an enduring impact across multiple sectors including education, healthcare, economy, infrastructure, and agriculture, among others.
He said, “As we gather here to dedicate the Government House Chapel to God and celebrate the thanksgiving service to mark the close of my term, I am deeply reminded of the many ways in which God has held us together.
“The ways which He has upheld our vision and helped us to accomplish the monumental task which he set before us. Over the past 8 years, my administration has been able to address diverse needs and improve lives and service delivery to Edo people.
“We have worked tirelessly to leave an enduring impact across multiple sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic empowerment and many others.”
Obaseki continued: “Today is a day of thanksgiving as God has been our source of strength and has guided us through every challenge and given us victory in all our adversity. The renovation of this Chapel draws from my deep inspiration and inspiration of many other.
“I stand before you today not only as governor but conscious of the divine responsibility we all share to honour God in every area of our lives and our governance.
“This chapel stands as a physical symbol of that commitment; a commitment to build a State on a foundation of faith, unity and reverence for God Almighty. It’s my hope and prayers that this Chapel will serve as a place where future leaders will seek the face of God and solace just as we have done.”
Acknowledging the church and religious leaders in the State for their support over the last eight years, the governor stated, “I want to acknowledge our clergy for their steadfastness, moral support, and spiritual encouragement which helped us during our darkness hours.
“As we dedicate this chapel to God today, may it serve as a reminder of his faithfulness and love and unending support for Edo State.
“Let this chapel be a place where leaders are grounded, where prayers for our people are lifted and where the vision for a brighter and prosperous future for every Edo citizen is birthed and nurtured.”
He further charged, “We must continue to have faith. As my tenure comes to an end, I urge each and every one of us to carry this vision of a State rooted in love, faith, and respect for one another.
“Let this place serve as a daily reminder of the divine calling upon our lives and inspire us to serve our community with passion and unwavering commitment.”
“May this Chapel be a house of prayers for Edo State. May this be a sanctuary for future leaders of Edo State who will come to seek God’s guidance,” the governor prayed.
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