By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has been described as a pragmatic and proactive leader, whose governance style reflects deliberate planning and strong desire to make meaningful impact in the lives of the people of Edo State.
The commendation was made by the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa during a stakeholders’ sensitization workshop organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications, which held at the New Festival Hall, Government House in Benin City, with the theme, “Advancing Edo Together: The People’s View of Governor Okpebholo’s Achievements.”
Delivering his address, the HOS asserted that the Governor had conceived his vision for the State even before assuming office, and began implementing it from the very day of his swearing-in on 12th November, 2024. While explaining that Section 14(2)(b) clearly states that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government, and that Section 14(2)(a) affirms that sovereignty belongs to the people from whom government derives all its powers and authority, he stated, “Government is an extension of the people, and any administration that understands its responsibilities must remain accountable to them.”
Dr. Okungbowa recounted that shortly after the swearing-in, the Governor invited him to accompany him on inspection of projects, demonstrating from the outset that he had a clear plan for Edo State. He also recalled how, just days after assuming office, Governor Okpebholo insisted on visiting the family of a deceased labour leader to condole with them, a gesture he described as a reflection of the practical and empathetic approach that has defined the administration.
The HOS submitted that Governor Okpebholo has consistently taken bold steps to address pressing challenges in the State, citing the recent approval of over a billion Naira to resolve lingering issues at the College of Education; the release of significant funds to settle gratuities and pension arrears; the integration of 1,000 previously outsourced cleaners into the State’s Workforce with improved wages; and the regular payment of salaries on or before the 26th of each month; including a 13th-month salary in December 2024.
He added that the administration’s approval of the Edo Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP) would usher in transformative initiatives aimed at revolutionising the Civil and Public Service in the State. He said the Stakeholders’ Workshop was designed to encourage open dialogue between the Government and the people; stressing that Governor Okpebholo is intentional about the welfare and security of those he governs and values feedbacks from all quarters.
The workshop featured a panel session moderated by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, with contributions from Professor Felix Oriakhi of the Department of Political Science, Federal University, Otuoke; the functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor; the functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Sunday Osayande; the Director General of Edo State Migration Agency, Chief Lucky Agazuma; and the Managing Director of Edo Broadcasting Service, Sulaiman Aledeh.
Dignitaries in attendance included the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Anani; heads of ministries departments and agencies; permanent secretaries; directors; and other relevant stakeholders.
Front row; R – L: the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; the Coordinator, Office of the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Edesilli Anani; during the stakeholders’ sensitization workshop at the Government House in Benin City
