By Oghenefejiro Emado
18, July 2026
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Friday swore in 20 permanent secretaries, including Melody Omosah, the state’s first visually impaired permanent secretary.
He also inaugurated two commissioners and seven members of the Governing Council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology.
The ceremony was held at the Festival Hall of Government House in Benin City. The governor described the appointments as a milestone for inclusivity and merit-based service in the civil service.
Okpebholo said the selection process was transparent and competitive. According to him, about 250 officers sat for the examination, 25 candidates were interviewed, and 20 emerged successful.
“Today is a special day for all of you who have reached the pinnacle of your civil service careers. About 250 officers sat for the examination. I met with 25 candidates, but only 20 were successful,” the governor said.
He stated that the exercise reflected his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence rather than political patronage. Citing the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, he said the new permanent secretaries were found to be highly competent.
“I congratulate you on this achievement. The Head of Service told me he had interacted with the permanent secretaries and found them to be highly competent. That shows the process was based on merit,” Okpebholo added.
The governor also warned the new permanent secretaries against acting on unofficial directives issued in his name. He said due process would remain central to his administration and urged them to seek clarification where necessary.
“This administration believes in due process. Be careful not to act on claims that ‘the governor said so.’ Many statements are falsely attributed to me.
If you are uncertain about any directive, seek clarification from me. Where that is not possible, channel your concerns through the Head of Service, who will bring them to my attention,” he said.
Okpebholo further assured members of the Igbo community and other ethnic groups of equal opportunities, adding that appointments would continue to be based on merit.
“I congratulate my Igbo brothers. There is no discrimination in Edo. We are building an inclusive government, and there will be more opportunities for all groups in due course,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the new permanent secretaries, Omosah thanked the governor for the appointment and pledged support for the administration’s development agenda.
“We are grateful to the governor for finding us worthy of this appointment. We will work closely with you, the Head of Service and our political leaders to ensure the successful implementation of your administration’s policies and programmes across the state,” he said.
Also speaking, newly sworn-in Commissioner Martin Oli said the appointments reflected the governor’s focus on competence and inclusiveness.
“The governor does not consider tribe or place of origin when making appointments. His criteria are competence, integrity and capacity. Those are the qualities he looks for,” Oli said.
The appointment of Omosah marks a significant step for disability inclusion in Edo’s public service as the Okpebholo administration pursues reforms to strengthen professionalism and meritocracy in governance.
