*Obaseki bags Kingdom Citizens’ Award for good governance*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has been honored by the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church Worldwide for his administration's fight against corruption and advocacy for good governance in the State.

Presenting the award to the governor in Government House, Benin City, Baba Aladura of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Dr. David Bob-Manual commended the governor for executing impactful projects and implementing reforms that have transformed all the sectors of the State's economy.

The leader of the church thanked Governor Obaseki for the massive food palliative for the people of the State through the Christian Feeding Programme in partnership with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

He said, “The leadership of our church is in your State on pastoral duties and we thought it wise to pay you this courtesy visit and appreciate you for your exemplary leadership qualities which you have deployed to transform and develop Edo State.

“We have heard of the laudable projects and programmes your administration has brought to the people of Edo State in the almost eight years of service to the people. On the lips of the people of Edo State, witnesses and testimonies are bound as your administration has touched the lives of Edo people.

“You have executed projects and reforms touching virtually all the sectors of Edo’s economy which include education, health, sports, economy, civil service, power and citizens' welfare schemes. You have been able to pay N70,000 when the Federal Government is struggling with N30,000 minimum wage.

“Thank you for the massive food palliative to the people of the State through the Christian Feeding Programme in partnership with CAN. It is second to none. Edo State under your watch has produced the highest ever internally generated revenue (IGR) and it’s a testimony of a good government.

“Your performance speaks volumes for you and you deserve all the accolades of the best governor of the year. In governance, you have adhered to the principle of equity, justice, fairness and strengthened trust between the government and the people.

“Your stand against corruption and your advocacy for good governance serves as a beacon of hope and integrity in the political landscape as all these and more gave credence for your nomination by our Church to be honoured with the prestigious and highly reserved “Kingdom Citizens' Award”.

On his part, the governor thanked the leadership of the Church for the visit and the accolades for the developmental strides achieved by his administration in the last seven and half years.

He noted that the recognition is well received and assured the Church that the honour will encourage his administration to do more as it’s clear that the people are watching.

Obaseki noted, “In Edo State, we have been guarded by some fundamental principles shared by the church which is equity, fairness and justice as the church plays a very important role in Nigeria especially now that things are deteriorating.

“People come to the Church for help instead of the government because the government has failed them and any government that needs to reach the people and is ready to be sincere, such a government should partner the church.

“Thank you for the sacrifices and support you give as the church has helped the nation survive so far. Politicians don’t care as most are in government for themselves and what they can get out of government, but the church cares, raising generations of people in a certain way of thinking.

“Following the level of inflation and hunger in the land, we decided to partner with the Church and contribute our own widow's mite of distributing food items to our citizens. The CAN president has shown diligence and commitment in ensuring that the programme succeeded.”

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Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (left), with the Baba Aladura of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Dr. David Bob-Manual, during a courtesy visit, in Government House, Benin City.

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L-R: Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State Chapter, Apostle Irkpono Omoike; Senior Apostle General and Secretary to the Holy Order, Napo Emuchay; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki; Baba Aladura of the Eternal Sacred Order of the Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, Dr. David Bob-Manual; his wife, Prophetess Elsie, and Chief of Staff to Edo State Governor, Engr (Dr.) Osaigbovo Iyoha, during a courtesy visit, in Government House, Benin City.