Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, alongside thousands of worshippers, converged on the headquarters of Living Faith Church, in Benin City, for the 2026 crossover service.
The Governor assured the people of the State that the year 2026 will usher in inclusive development and a stronger security architecture across the state, describing the New Year as a defining phase of Hope and Growth for Edo State.
In his New Year message, the Governor emphasised that governance under his leadership will remain driven by practical action rather than mere promises. While acknowledging existing challenges, he assured residents that his administration is confronting them decisively.
The Governor urged citizens to embrace peace, hard work, and unity in the New Year, and wished all residents of Edo State a peaceful and prosperous 2026.
Every available space at the church, popularly known as Winners’ Chapel, along Sapele Road in Benin City, was filled to capacity as worshippers gathered for the 2026 crossover service.
Overflow crowds were also recorded outside the main auditorium, reflecting the massive turnout, charged with praise, expectation, and anticipation as they patiently awaited the dawn of a new year.
As the clock ticked into the New Year 2026, the atmosphere erupted with shouts of joy, heartfelt praises, and prayers that filled the air.
Outside the church premises, loud bursts of fireworks lit up the sky, filling the air for several minutes as the New Year was ushered in.
And in Rivers State, Governor Siminalayi Fubara says his administration is stepping into the year 2026 with renewed strength, hope, and unwavering faith in God, assuring that those who place their trust in God will never be put to shame.
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He further reassured the people of the State that the New Year will be free from fear and unrest, declaring that 2026 will not be defined by the sounds of war or conflict.
Speaking at a church service to usher in the New Year, Governor Fubara also emphasised that his government remains committed to peace, stability, and the overall well-being of residents, calling on the people to remain calm, united, and hopeful as the state moves forward into the year 2026.
Governor Fubara joined other Christian faithful at a crossover night church service to usher in the New Year 2026 as it provides an opportunity to give thanks for God’s protection throughout the outgoing year and to commit the New Year into his hands through songs and prayers.
2025 will go down as one of the most turbulent years in the history of Rivers State.
The year began with a bitter political feud that resulted in the declaration of a six-month state of emergency on March 18 by President Bola Tinubu to prevent the state from being plunged into anarchy.
Democratic governance was finally restored on August 18 after all the parties in the bitter feud had reached an agreement.
Governor Fubara notes that despite the setbacks, appreciable progress was recorded in 2025 and he is optimistic about 2026.
With the sound of fireworks in the background, Governor Fubara declares his administration’s commitment to peace, stability, and the well-being of the people, urging them to remain calm, united, and hopeful as the state moves forward into the New Year.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
