The Edo State Government has announced plans to start construction on the road leading to the prayer ground of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal in Nigeria (CCRN) at Upper Ekenwan.
This initiative is in line with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s campaign promise to improve the community’s access roads. The governor revealed this development during a courtesy visit to the Government House by a delegation from the CCRN, led by its coordinator, Mr. Otakhor Thaddeus Iredia.
Governor Okpebholo thanked the group for acknowledging his developmental efforts in his first month in office.
“I thank you for your visit and prayers. When I came to your church, I made a commitment to build the road leading to your prayer ground, and it remains a priority for me,” Governor Okpebholo stated. “The house of God is a place of prayer, and I believe your prayers will bring peace to Edo State and the nation.”
The group also requested that weekly masses be held at the Government House again, and the Governor granted their request. In order to choose an appropriate day for the masses to begin, he advised the CCRN to confer with Archbishop Austin Akubueze, the Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Benin.
In order to seek divine direction for leadership, Governor Okpebholo also urged people to continue praying for the state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking on behalf of the CCRN, Mr. Iredia congratulated the Governor on his electoral victory, praising his swift actions in office. “We are over 28,000 members strong, and we are praying for your success as Governor,” he said. “We also appreciate your efforts in sending surveyors to map the road to our prayer ground. Your commitment to fulfilling this promise within your first 100 days is deeply appreciated.”
The Chaplain of CCRN, Rev. Fr. Daniel Iyangbe, also appealed for the return of weekly masses in the Government House, a tradition previously halted due to political issues unrelated to the church.
The Governor’s announcement has been met with optimism, marking a significant step in his administration’s commitment to community development and religious inclusivity.
