As Nigerians begin the year with high hopes and aspirations, some governors have vowed to implement stricter security measures against terrorists in the country.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo assured Edo people of renewed hope, stronger security, and accelerated development as the state steps into 2026, describing the New Year as a defining phase of “Hope and Growth” for the state.

In his 2026 New Year’s message, Governor Okpebholo thanked God for sustaining Edo State through 2025, which marked his administration’s first year in office, noting that the journey so far has been one of steady progress despite the challenges inherited.

“We thank the Almighty God for keeping us through 2025 and bringing us safely into 2026. It has been a remarkable first year in office — with successes recorded, challenges encountered, and lessons learned,” the governor said.

On his part, the governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, also reiterated his commitment to providing adequate security for the lives and property of the state’s people, urging unity, hard work, and sustained patriotism.

He stated that his administration would intensify efforts to deliver people-oriented governance in the new year.

In his New Year’s message to the people, Governor Ododo thanked Almighty God for protection and guidance throughout the past year, noting that the period tested the resilience of the people but also strengthened their collective resolve.

The governor stated that, despite challenges, the state recorded modest but significant gains across key sectors, including security, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and youth and women’s empowerment, attributing the progress to discipline, unity of purpose, and the cooperation of citizens.

In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas declared war against extremists, saying his administration would make the state unsafe for criminal elements.

The governor, who made the declaration on Thursday in Jalingo, in his New Year’s address to the people, assured residents of his renewed commitment to security, inclusive governance, and accelerated socio-economic development across the state.

He specifically declared 2026 a year of peace, progress, and prosperity for the people and government of Taraba State.

Dr Kefas reaffirmed his administration’s zero tolerance for violence, extremism, and criminality.

He stressed that no part of Taraba State would be left ungoverned or allowed to serve as a haven for criminals.

According to him, all security agencies had been empowered and properly coordinated to protect lives, property, and livelihoods throughout the state.

“Our government will continue to protect lives, property, and livelihoods with firmness, fairness, and professionalism.

Security agencies are fully empowered, coordinated, and supported to ensure that no inch of Taraba becomes a haven for criminals, bandits, terrorists, or illegal activities,” he said.

For his part, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago stated that the state has made steady and significant progress under his leadership, despite challenges of insecurity and natural disasters.

In a New Year’s message to provide an overview of the year 2025, he described it as a year with mixed feelings, considering the achievements and unfortunate incidents, such as the Mokwa flood and the Papiri school abduction.

Bago said his administration is working tirelessly to drive development and improve the quality of life of the people of the state by investing in all sectors.

According to him, remarkable progress was made in the state by his administration in 2025 across critical sectors, including infrastructure, education, agriculture, healthcare, the economy, and security, among others.

The governor stated that appreciable progress was made towards the realisation of the New Niger Agenda, adding that sustainable progress was made in the construction of both urban and rural roads as well as the constant monitoring and evaluation of the projects to ensure speedy execution of the numerous ongoing projects across the 25 local government areas.

In Bauchi State, Governor Bala Mohammed, while congratulating the people of the state and Nigerians at large on the occasion of the new year, expressed gratitude to God Almighty for seeing the state and the nation through the challenges of 2025.

The governor described the successful passage into 2026 as an act of divine grace, noting that despite prevailing economic, political and social difficulties, the people of Bauchi State remained resilient, steadfast and prayerful.

In a New Year’s goodwill message issued on Thursday by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, Governor Bala Mohammed commended citizens for their patience and perseverance in the face of economic hardship.

He assured residents that his administration would continue to provide palliative support while pursuing sustainable and long-term financial solutions.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the full implementation of the resolutions reached at the recently held Investment and Economic Summit, with the goal of accelerating economic growth and social development across the state.

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