Osaretyn Asemota-Er
Behind his calmness and composure, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s approach to governance remains steady hands, big results.
Despite the pressures of office, he remains steady, focusing on delivering results for the people of Edo State.
His quiet confidence and determination have earned him recognition as a leader who gets things done, even as he maintains a low profile. What could be responsible for Okpebholo’s calmness that translates to action? Let’s see if it can be compared to this scenario. In my days as an OAP (On Air Personality), a catchy phrase “less talk, more music”, hangs on the stem of the State owned EBS radio studio microphone.
To every presenter, particularly music presenters, the message is clear, more music is what the listener wants. It is one of the presentation tips that guide a would be good presenter.
The above aptly describes someone like Governor Okpebholo who often let his actions do the talking.
But in the present administration in Edo State, there are some behind the scenes, and one of them is Apostle Sule Faraday Azekhumen.
The Governor’s belief in the efficacy of praises and prayers led him to appoint Apostle Sule Azekhumen, a man of exceeding faith, as his Special Adviser on Religious Matters & Chaplain of the Dennis Osadebey Government House chapel in Benin City.
Over two years, Apostle Azekhumen’s spiritual guidance has been instrumental in the administration’s success. “Prayer is the key to success,” says Governor Okpebholo, attributing the administration’s achievements to Apostle Azekhumen’s prayers and counsel.
Apostle Azekhumen’s appointment has brought inter-faith harmony and spiritual edification to the administration, fostering unity among religious leaders, promoting peaceful co-existence in Edo State.
Regular prayer sessions and fellowships at the Government House Chapel have provided spiritual nourishment for the Governor and his team, inspiring integrity and honesty in governance.
His role as Special Adviser has equally provided specialised advice on politically aware perspective on policies and issues with religious implications which the neutral civil & public service may find intractable.
Through constant interaction with other faith, Apostle Sule Faraday has been able to provide the necessary link between the government and the diverse religious groups, encouraging inter-faith dialogue and collaboration for peaceful coexistence.
Also, through the instrumentality as Special Aide on religious matters, the revered religious Minister has continuously mobilised faith-based communities for support of Governor Okpebholo’s programmes that relate to the well-being of the people.
The administration has seen significant progress, with infrastructure development across the State, including the iconic fly-over construction in Benin City. The Governor’s commitment to prayer and Apostle Azekhumen’s spiritual guidance have created a positive impact on Edo State’s destiny.
As a spiritual leader, Apostle Sule Faraday has brought a sense of unity and purpose to the government, fostering inter-faith harmony d promoting peaceful coexistence among Edo State’s diverse groups.
Through his leadership, the Government House chapel has become a hub for prayer and fellowship, providing spiritual guidance to the Governor and his team, executing electioneering campaign promises with significant progress in infrastructure development.
As the administration led by Governor Monday Okpebholo continues to deliver on the dividends of democracy, Apostle Sule Faraday’s spiritual guidance will undoubtedly remain a vital component of its success.
OSARETYN ASEMOTA-ERO, a Media & Tourism Practitioner writes from Benin City.