.Okpebholo urges collaboration
TUNDE ADELEKE, Osogbo
The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress APC in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has charged the residents of the state to await a people-focused government in 2026.
Daily Champion recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced that the Osun gubernatorial election will hold on August 8, 2026.
Oyebamiji in a statement released by his media team on Thursday to felicitate with the residents of Osun on the occasion of 2026 New Year celebrations, extolled the high sense of resilience and patriotism daily exhibited by the people of the state since its creation, informing them to await a mass-focused and people-centered progressive government in 2026.
Oyebamiji stressed that the residents’ prayers and steadfastness have kept the state afloat, promising to bring the desired developments when elected Governor this year.
The statement reads in part, “As we usher-in New Year of prosperity, I extend my warmest greetings and felicitations to the good people of our dear state whose resilience, perseverance, dedication and avowed hope have kept our state afloat against all odds. This is a year of manifestation, a year of fulfillment, a year of transition, a year of prosperity for all and a year of all-around growth and development for everyone in the state.
“As we all walk into the year of manifestation, let’s continue to champion the virtues of love, unity, sacrifice, resilience and peaceful coexistence that define us as a people and as a state. Let’s demonstrate high sense of Omoluabi as we approach the election period. Let’s scale up our support for the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as he continues to stimulate our economy and build a virile nation where everyone triumphs.
“As the candidate of Nigeria’s ruling party – the All Progressives Congress, APC, I am ever ready to lead our party and our people to victory come August 8th, 2026. My pact is to build a state, when elected governor, where every sector works for the benefit of all, regardless of our political, cultural and religious affiliations. Let’s rekindle our hope and set our state to the paths of sustainable growth and development.
“On behalf of my family, leaders and members of our great party, I warmly rejoice and felicitate you all for witnessing yet another prosperous New Year of unending joy.”
.Okpebholo urges collaboration
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has called on citizens of the state to sustain their collaboration, commitment, support, and prayers to enable his administration to deliver improved governance and better living conditions in 2026.
The governor made the call while speaking to journalists after attending a cross-over night service at Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), along Sapele Road, Benin City.
He was accompanied by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa and other top members of the State Executive Council.
Governor Okpebholo said that with the support, collaboration, and prayers of Edo people, his administration recorded significant achievements in 2025 through the implementation of the SHINE Agenda. He expressed optimism that 2026 would be a better year with increased divine guidance and public support.
According to him, the administration’s practical and people-focused approach to governance would continue to drive growth, development, and security, while creating a business-friendly environment that would attract investors to Edo State.
He acknowledged that 2025 was a challenging year but noted that, through the grace of God and the prayers and support of the people, the state was able to overcome major obstacles. He urged Edo citizens to enter 2026 with renewed determination and courage.
The governor described 2026 as a year of hope, growth, and development for Edo State, assuring residents that his administration remains fully committed to ending cultism, armed robbery, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.
He said, “This is a year of hope and growth. I believe the year will be stress-free for Edo people. In 2026, insecurity will no longer be a problem. We will tackle insecurity head-on and ensure Edo State is free from cultism, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality,”
Governor Okpebholo reiterated that his administration had already declared total war on cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, and related crimes, recording notable progress in the fight. He assured that the government would consolidate on these gains to ensure a safer Edo State in 2026.
In his cross-over sermon, the Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, congratulated worshippers on successfully crossing into the new year. He urged them not to allow circumstances to dictate the pace of 2026 but to follow divine direction.
Bishop Oyedepo encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their faith, assuring them that obedience to God’s instructions would lead to victory over challenges and make 2026 a better year for the nation.
He also called on the country and its citizens to enter into a covenant with God in the new year to enjoy all-round blessings, greatness, improved security, economic progress, and freedom from life’s troubles, according to a statement by Ebojele Akhere Patrick, PhD, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Edo State.
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