Written by Ozioruva Aliu
BENIN CITY—On Tuesday, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, warned political appointees against corrupt activities and urged them to be dedicated to their duties. He warned that their efforts, whether they were diligent or not, would be monitored and evaluated and would result in the appropriate repercussions.
At the start of a three-day retreat for political appointees and chosen ministry and MDA workers at Udomi Townhall in his hometown in the Esan Central local government area, the governor made this statement.
Declaring that his government is solely motivated by performance and accountability, he urged the participants to embrace discipline, teamwork, and quantifiable results.
The retreat is the first since the start of his government and is titled “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State.”
According to Governor Okpebholo, the meeting was a serious engagement meant to improve state governance rather than a social gathering.
“We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose,” the governor said in a statement issued by his chief press secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele. Top government officials will benefit from this retreat’s dual functions of capacity building and orientation.
“A strong vision of the SHINE Agenda is what motivates our government. This vision is results-driven, practical government.
“A single appointee or agency cannot function in isolation; good governance requires teamwork. As a team, we need to improve cooperation amongst MDAs,” Okpebholo stated.
“I want to reiterate my warning to you: public office is a call to service, not for profit-making or personal gain,” the governor declared. As he warned appointees against using public service for personal benefit, he stated, “Every naira we spend must deliver value and every policy must produce measurable results.”
Service must continue to be the cornerstone of leadership, he emphasized.
“Your work will be evaluated. Your standing in this administration will henceforth be determined by tangible outcomes and performance.
“I demand that you actively participate, think creatively, and give your all to the administration’s overall success. He declared, “Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence.”
The main tenet of the retreat, according to Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the Secretary to the State Government, is that “Edo is building Edo,” emphasizing that the Edo people themselves must spearhead the state’s change.
Dr. Anthony Okhungbowa, Esq., the Head of Service, expressed hope in his welcome speech that the retreat will enhance service delivery throughout the state and increase leadership ability.
Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and heads of ministries, divisions, and agencies (MDAs) are among those attending the retreat.
