Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has embarked on a transformative journey to revitalize Edo State’s public service, emphasizing capacity building, transparency, and accountability as the cornerstones of his administration. This commitment was underscored during the swearing-in ceremony of three new Permanent Secretaries, where Okpebholo articulated his vision for a dynamic and results-oriented civil service. He stressed that effective public service delivery is paramount to fulfilling the promises made to the people of Edo and achieving his administration’s overarching governance agenda. This new era, he declared, will be marked by a departure from past complacency and a resolute focus on performance and dedication to duty.
Okpebholo’s commitment to a reformed public service translates into a zero-tolerance policy for indolence and inefficiency. He has made it clear that the days of laxity and a casual approach to work are over. The governor envisions a civil service populated by dedicated professionals who uphold the highest standards of transparency and effectiveness in their respective roles. This commitment to meritocracy and performance-based evaluation signals a paradigm shift in the state’s public administration, aiming to foster a culture of proactive service delivery and responsiveness to the needs of the citizenry. The governor’s emphasis on a performance-driven culture underscores his determination to hold public servants accountable for their actions and ensure that the machinery of government operates with optimal efficiency.
Central to Okpebholo’s reform agenda is a focus on continuous capacity building for the state’s civil servants. He believes that ongoing training and retraining programs are essential to equip public servants with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the evolving demands of modern governance. This commitment to professional development reflects his understanding that a well-trained workforce is a crucial asset in driving progress and achieving the state’s developmental goals. By investing in the human capital of the civil service, Okpebholo aims to create a more agile and adaptable workforce capable of responding effectively to the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. This focus on continuous learning and improvement is also a signal to the public servants that their professional growth is a priority for the administration.
The appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries, carefully selected for their experience and expertise, underscores the governor’s commitment to assembling a high-performing team capable of translating his vision into tangible results. Okpebholo has charged these new appointees with the responsibility of driving significant positive change within their respective ministries and departments. He expects them to lead by example, embodying the values of dedication, transparency, and accountability he seeks to instill throughout the public service. The governor’s confidence in these new leaders reflects his belief that they possess the necessary leadership qualities to inspire and motivate their teams to deliver exceptional service to the people of Edo.
Stella Eshieshie, speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and pledged their commitment to implementing policies that align with the governor’s vision for a progressive Edo State. Their acceptance of this responsibility signifies a collective commitment to work diligently and collaboratively to achieve the administration’s ambitious goals. This spirit of collaboration and shared purpose is crucial to fostering a cohesive and productive working environment within the public service. The commitment expressed by the new Permanent Secretaries underscores their understanding of the significant role they play in shaping the future of Edo State.
Beyond the rhetoric of reform, Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated his commitment to decisive action. Just a day after his inauguration, he dissolved the executive boards of all state agencies and parastatals. This bold move signifies his determination to dismantle existing structures and pave the way for a fresh start, free from the potential encumbrances of previous administrations. The dissolution of these boards allows the governor to reshape the leadership landscape of these crucial institutions and align them more closely with his vision for a more efficient and accountable government. This decisive action sends a clear message that Okpebholo is committed to enacting real change and building a public service that truly serves the interests of the people of Edo State. This restructuring also creates an opportunity for the governor to appoint individuals who share his commitment to reform and who possess the skills and experience necessary to drive positive change within these organizations.
