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Urges Christians to emulate Christ’s virtues
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N675 billion, tagged the “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo”, into law after it was passed by the Edo State House of Assembly.
Assenting to the bill at the Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo said the budget would revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
“I have just signed into law a budget of N675,220,058,858.52, tagged a Renewed Hope Budget for a Rising Edo. It is hoped that the 2025 approved budget will revive the economy of Edo State and deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of the state.”
He explained that, in preparing the budget, special care was taken to ensure that a larger percentage was appropriated for capital expenditure, stressing the administration’s commitment to embarking on massive capital projects in the new fiscal year.
The governor further commended the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, and other members of the Assembly for the speedy consideration of the budget.
Speaking earlier while presenting the bill to the governor, Rt. Hon. Agbebaku said the budget was significantly increased from the initial sum of N605 billion to ensure more funds were allotted to the agricultural sector.
Meanwhile, as the world celebrates Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Governor Okpebholo, on behalf of the government and people of Edo State, congratulated all Christians for witnessing yet another yuletide season.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor urged Christian faithful to use the festive period for sober reflection and total spiritual renewal and devotion towards living in peace and harmony with adherents of other religions.
“We must continue to extend the hands of love and fellowship to our neighbours and live as one big family, irrespective of our social, political, and religious leanings, and continue to trust God for a better tomorrow, a more prosperous Edo State, and a greater country, Nigeria.
“Whether in business, politics, religion, or ethnic considerations, we must show love to one another as humans, as no religion encourages violence or preaches evil against humanity.
“We must realise that we are first Nigerians before our religious beliefs, political leanings, and cultural affiliations, and as such, we must show respect for one another by living in peace.
“If Christians love one another as Christ taught, the issues of communal and religious clashes, armed robbery, kidnapping, militancy, armed banditry, terrorism, and other vices will not arise.
“As Christians, I urge our people to rekindle their love for Christ by renewing the virtues of peace, love, and sacrifice, which Jesus Christ epitomised in his earthly teachings.
“As a government, we are working hard to make life easier for Edo people and put smiles on the faces of residents of our dear state. We will not disappoint you. We will continue to work hard to make Edo State a happy home for all,” Governor Okpebholo added.