The Sen. Monday Okpebholo-led administrations’ commitment and execution of Civil Service reforms again took centre stage as the Office of the Head of Service (OHOS) convened the maiden edition of the Edo State Government Breakfast Meeting, a strategic engagement geared towards strengthening harmonization between the political leadership and the State’s Civil and Public Service in the State.
The meeting, which held at the New Festival Hall of the Government House in Benin City, had in attendance Permanent Secretaries, Director-Generals and top Government officials, marking a significant step in aligning administrative and political machinery toward more efficient service delivery.
Declaring the breakfast meeting open, the Edo State Deputy Governor and special guest of honour, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa expressed satisfaction at the initiative, describing it as a deliberate platform for constructive dialogue and improved collaboration. He recalled that the State in previous years, operated an abnormal structure where consultants acted as Permanent Secretaries, a practice he said was inconsistent with the Civil Service Rules and lacked continuity. He added that the administration of Sen. Okpebholo immediately addressed the anomaly by appointing qualified career officers as Permanent Secretaries, thereby restoring professionalism and adherence to the traditions of the Service.
Rt. Hon. Idahosa said, “My Principal, the Executive Governor of our dear State reckoned that the reliance on external consultants was not sustainable and today, many Civil Servants have been elevated from their previous positions to Permanent Secretaries”.
Discussing the importance of collaboration and synergy between the Political Executives and the Civil Service machinery for effective service delivery in the State, the Deputy Governor commended the expanded breakfast meeting as a testament to the administration’s shared commitment to harness collective strength and expertise to deliver impactful results. In his words, “As we thrive to build a prosperous and secure Edo of our dreams, it is imperative that we work together seamlessly. The Civil Service is the implementation arm of the Government, and as political office holders, we must work hand-in-hand with the professionals who understand the system.”
Rt. Hon. Idahosa emphasised that the goal of the current administration is to elevate the quality of governance through respect for institutions, noting that the Governor had consistently demonstrated regard for Civil Servants and is committed to resolving several operational challenges affecting the Service. He stressed that political office holders must value the expertise of the Service because the Civil Service remains the engine that drives government policies, plans and programmes.
Expressing gratitude to the Service for sustaining a culture of collaboration, the Deputy Governor further assured of the Governor’s continued support, saying, “Let us maintain the highest standard of professionalism, transparency and accountability. We will build a stronger and effective institution. I would also like to express our profound appreciation to all the Heads of MDAs especially to the Head of Service. The kind of partnership and support we have gotten from the Service is unprecedented. On behalf of my Principal, the Governor of Edo State, we say thank you. To all our hardworking civil servants, I want to assure you that the political executives are committed to providing the necessary support and enabling the environment for you to excel.”
In his keynote address, the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, described the Breakfast Meeting as a crucial gathering for sincere dialogue on the future of the Edo State Civil Service. Citing a lesson from Chinua Achebe’s best-selling novel “Things Fall Apart,” he remarked that important gatherings as such, provide clarity and shared purpose. He said the session was not meant for ceremony but for genuine engagement on how the Service can strengthen governance and support the administration to deliver effectively on its mandate.
According to the HOS, “The Civil Service is the bedrock of governance. It is the bridge institution between government and citizens. It is the silent architect of progress, and we cannot overstate its importance. We are not here today for some idle prattle, we are here to listen to each other, come up with initiatives, identify our strengths and our weaknesses and find ways to ensure that the Service is able to effectively play its assigned role as the engine of government.”
Commending Sen. Okpebholo for demonstrating deep interest in rebuilding a future-ready service, Dr. Okungbowa explained that his endorsement of the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (Edo-PREP) was a turning point, as it provided a long-term roadmap for capacity growth, innovation and administrative strengthening across all MDAs. He emphasised that the administration has shown confidence in the abilities of Edo civil servants by allowing them to lead reforms themselves.
The HOS also appreciated the Governor for reforms already implemented, including improved salaries, the introduction of the 13th-month payment, prompt release of pensions and gratuities, absorption of temporary workers into the Service, and new opportunities for young graduates, including full government sponsorship for selected first-class graduates to pursue masters’ degrees. He noted that the initiatives reflect the Governor’s belief in the value of human capital development.
“We have moved away from a Civil Service where people simply go to work to collect salaries. Today, impact is being assessed. We are now in a strategic mode where performance, innovation and institutional loyalty matter. His Excellency is giving us a rare opportunity to rebuild the Service from within, and we must not take that for granted,” Dr. Okungbowa said and appreciated the Deputy Governor for honouring the invitation, which he described as historic.
Dr. Okungbowa outlined some transformative initiatives ongoing in the Service particularly, the establishment of the Directorate of Research and Policy, the Mandatory and Intentional Mentorship, a monthly worker reward scheme, an enhanced digital pedagogy with the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), ongoing development of the Edo State Civil and Public Service Learning Management System, establishment of technology hubs in MDAs, specialized post-retirement training opportunities seniority list, the setting up of the Pubic Service Choir and launch of two communication initiatives; the Service Chronicles and the Service Insights, with other future building initiatives through EDO-PREP.
Dr. Okungbowa reiterated that loyalty, discipline and professionalism are uncompromised virtues in the Civil Service, saying, “A civil servant must be one hundred percent loyal to the Governor, the pilot of the engine of government. Where the Governor stands, we must stand. That is the ethics and spirit of the Service.” He asserted that the Civil Service will become a ‘Mecca’ of some sort that will provide learning opportunities for other civil services across the Country.
In a welcome remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Housing, Dr. Joy Akighe, disclosed that that the meeting was a product of the OHOS’ overtime, considering the means of organizing activities happenings in the directorates, bureaus and the training academy under the Office. She appreciated the HOS for sustaining the Breakfast Meeting platform, noting that it has over the years served as an avenue for aligning goals, reviewing activities, identifying gaps and improving collaborations.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly, Audu Yahaya Omogbai; the Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, represented by Deputy Chief Registrar (Administration), Ihenyen Aremiokha Esq.
Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Office of the Head of Service
PHOTO CAPTION
L – R: The Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly, Audu Yahaya Omogbai; the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa; the Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; with other dignitaries during the maiden Edo State Government Breakfast Meeting in Benin City.
