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 Benin City residence following the death 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 sympathise with the Deputy Governor and his family.

Responding, Idahosa expressed deep appreciation for the visit and used the occasion to highlight the Governor’s empathy and leadership style.

He recounted that the Governor personally reached out to him within minutes of learning about his mother’s passing, describing the gesture as profoundly touching.

“Immediately my mum passed on, I sent a message to my principal. I was surprised that my boss called me within three minutes. I began to wonder, does this governor sleep at all?” he said, noting that the prompt response reflected the Governor’s caring disposition and strong sense of duty.

The Deputy Governor also thanked members of the Press Corps for their support and for their role in projecting the activities of the administration.

“I want to thank all of you. I appreciate the love you have shown me, and I am aware of how you continue to project this government. We are very happy,” he added.

On funeral arrangements, Idahosa disclosed that the family is still consulting and would announce burial plans in due course, stressing that due process and respect for leadership would guide the decision.

“The family is discussing the funeral rites. Once we conclude, I will communicate with my principal before making it public. Whatever I do, I must inform him because he is also a stakeholder, and it should align with his schedule,” he said.

Earlier, Dr. Ebojele, speaking on behalf of the Governor’s Press Corps, said the visit was to identify with the Deputy Governor in his moment of grief. He described Idahosa as a friend of the corps and commended his cordial relationship with the media.

The visit underscored the strong bond within the Edo State leadership and the administration’s culture of empathy, responsiveness, and mutual respect.