From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, assured that his administration would make 2025 a better year for the people of the state, through practical and good governance.
He gave the assurance while delivering his goodwill message at the hallowed chamber of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), venue of the 2024 Nine Lessons and Carol, organised by the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, for members and staff of the Assembly.
The governor, who joined the 24 members and staff of the Assembly in the rendition, thanked God for his blessings upon the state and prayed for love, oneness and unity of the state as it progresses into 2025.
“God has been good to us in the state. As the year is coming to an end, we will not end with the year, but see the end of it and together we shall all enter 2025, praying for more blessings,” he said.
The event witnessed the rendition of different melodious tunes by the EDHA choir and El-Excess Choral choir to the delight of everyone, even as Santa Claus entertained the audience.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, has reiterated that the present administration is irrevocably committed to uphold the principle of justice, fairness and equity in the dispensation of democratic dividends across the state without segregation.
He made this promise when he played host to members of the association of all non-indigenous groups in Edo State, also known as coalition of ethnic nationalities, assuring that the administration would address the neglect of some communities in the execution of projects by the previous administration.
“Let me reiterate that the neglect suffered by some persons, groups, and communities by the previous administration as a result of being members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) will be addressed.
“All parts of the state will be made to feel the impact of the government, no one will be left behind as a result of political affiliation,” he stated.
The Deputy Governor said the coming together of various ethnic groups to form the coalition of ethnic nationalities was a testament to their firm belief in the corporate existence of the country and state of residence.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu-led administration to build a united and peaceful Nigeria,” he added and commended the effort of the non indigenes to integrate themselves to the culture and traditions of their hosts.
He further noted the contributions and support they gave the Okpebholo-led government during the campaign.
The state coordinator of the coalition, Monday Omashola, said their visit was to felicitate with the deputy governor and his principal following their inauguration.
He explained that the coalition of ethnic nationalities was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) with 17,235 members spread across the three senatorial districts of the state, adding that the non-indigenes were contributing meaningfully to the advancement of socioeconomic growth of the state.