By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his compassion and responsiveness, as he received members of the Governor’s Press Corps at his residence in Benin City following the passing of his mother at the age of 95.
The delegation, led by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Patrick Akhere Ebojele, paid a condolence visit to sympathize with the Deputy Governor and his family.
Responding, Idahosa expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit and used the moment to highlight the Governor’s exceptional empathy and leadership style.
He recounted how the Governor personally reached out to him within minutes of receiving news of his mother’s passing, describing the gesture as deeply touching.
“Immediately my mum passed on, I sent a message to my principal. I was shocked that my boss called me after three minutes. I began to wonder and asked myself, does this governor sleep at all?” he said, noting that the prompt response underscored the Governor’s caring nature and sense of duty.
The Deputy Governor also thanked members of the press corps for their support and for the role they play in projecting the activities of the administration.
He added, “I want to thank all of you. I appreciate the love you have for me, and I am aware of the way you people are projecting this government. We are very, very happy,”
On funeral arrangements, Idahosa disclosed that the family is currently consulting and would announce burial plans once concluded, emphasizing that due process and respect for leadership would guide the decision.
He said, “The family is discussing her funeral rites. Once we are able to come up with dates, I will communicate with my boss before declaring it to the public. Whatever I am going to do, I must inform him because he is also a stakeholder, and it should be in line with his schedule,”
Earlier, Dr Ebojele, who spoke on behalf of the Governor’s Press Corps, said the visit was to identify with the Deputy Governor in his time of grief, describing him as a friend of the corps and appreciating his cordial relationship with the media.
The visit further highlighted the strong bond within the Edo State leadership and the administration’s culture of empathy, responsiveness, and mutual respect.
