Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has welcomed the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye and other ministers of the gospel, to the ‘Edo Light Up Crusade’, which began Monday 29th January 2024, at the Garrick Memorial College, Ekehuan Road, Benin City.
In his welcome address and goodwill message at the opening day of the interdenominational crusade organized by RCCG, Governor Obaseki recounted his seven-year journey as Governor, underscoring the steadfast grace of God and the crucial role by Pastor Adeboye, in providing prayers and guidance during the challenging period leading to the success of his two electoral victories.
According to Obaseki, “I am here this evening to join you in this Light Up Edo Crusade. I am here with the First Lady, my wife, and we came for two reasons. The first is that we came to give thanks to God for what he has done for us in the last seven years. God has been wonderful and He has been great.
“Now one of the people He used to bless us, to support us, is here this evening to lead this crusade. He is our very own father in the lord. This was one man of God who was always there for us, praying for God to see us through and indeed, God Almighty saw us through. So, tonight I am here, not only to welcome him to Edo State but also to thank God for his life, to thank God for what he has used him to do for our great country and for us in Edo State. We are indeed lucky in Edo. Since I have been Governor, this is the third time I have had the opportunity to receive him in Edo State.”
Reflecting on the historical ties between Edo and the pentecostal movement, the Governor highlighted the place of Edo as a leading force, while expressing optimism on the transformative blessings, peace, and spiritual uplift, which Pastor Enoch Adeboye’s presence would attract,
not only to the state but also to the entire nation.
Obaseki remarked: “The other reason why I am here is to join you in worshiping God and praying that He removes the darkness in our country; that He shines the light over us in Nigeria and in particular Edo State. As you know, Edo is very special; the Pentecostal movement in Nigeria today has a very strong root in Edo due to the work many of our fathers have done, particularly the late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. So, if you are looking for a christian state in Nigeria today, Edo is that christian state.
“So, on behalf of all of us in Edo, I have the pleasure to welcome our father in the lord, Pastor Enoch Adeboye to Benin City and we pray that his presence in Edo for the next two days will win souls for the lord, transform our land, bring peace to our country and shine the light on our great nation.”
Highlight of the event was Pastor Adeboye offering prayers and blessings for the land.
Also, in attendance were: Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki; wife of Edo State Deputy Governor, Maryann Philip-Shaibu; Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Iyobosa Okungbowa; Founder Jesus Encounters Ministries International, Apostle Michael Orokpo; Edo CAN Chairman, Apostle Dr. U.I. Omoike; Edo PFN Chairman, Rev. Mrs. Margaret Agbonifo; former PFN President and member, National Board of Advisors for the PFN, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, Justices of Benin High Court, amongst others.
