Okpebholo Declares New Era of Accountability in Edo Public Service

De-Patriot News Desk

Governor Monday Okpebholo has charged civil and public service leaders in Edo State to uphold discipline, teamwork and measurable results, stressing that his administration is firmly anchored on performance and accountability.

This was contained in a statement signed by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, following the opening of a three-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials held at the Udomi Townhall, Esan Central Local Government Area, Irrua.

The retreat, themed “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” is the first of its kind since the commencement of the Okpebholo administration.

According to the statement, Governor Okpebholo described the retreat as a serious governance engagement rather than a social gathering, noting that it was designed to provide both orientation and capacity building for senior government officials.

“We are gathered here not for a jamboree, but for a purpose. This retreat is structured to strengthen governance and reposition our administration for effective service delivery,” the governor said.

He explained that the programme was aimed at deepening collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), while also enhancing participants’ understanding of governance processes and responsibilities.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the SHINE Agenda, the governor said the vision represents practical governance focused on delivering tangible results to Edo people.

“Good governance is a collective responsibility. No ministry, agency or appointee can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs,” Okpebholo stated.

The governor warned public office holders against using their positions for personal enrichment, emphasizing that leadership remains a call to service.

“Public office is not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira spent must deliver value, and every policy must produce measurable results,” he cautioned.

He further declared that the retreat signals a new operational direction for the Edo State Government, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring.
“Performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will determine your standing in this administration,” the governor said.

Governor Okpebholo urged participants to engage fully in the retreat, think innovatively and commit themselves to the collective success of the administration.
“The people of Edo State are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he added.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., explained that the retreat is guided by the philosophy that “Edo is building Edo,” noting that the state’s transformation must be driven by its own people. He also presented Project S.H.I.N.E, the strategic framework and development blueprint of the Okpebholo administration.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Esq., expressed confidence that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and significantly improve public service delivery across the state.

Participants at the retreat include Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).