Igbo Community Backs Okpebholo, Hails Inclusive Leadership

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Igbo Community Union, Edo State Chapter, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for nominating Hon. Anayochukwu Martin Oli, an indigene of Enugu State resident in Edo, as commissioner-designate, describing the decision as a significant demonstration of inclusive governance.

Speaking at a press briefing in Benin City, the union’s President, Chief Sir Samson Awiaka, said Governor Okpebholo had made history by becoming the first governor in the old Midwest, Bendel, and Edo State to appoint a member of the Igbo community to such a prominent office.

He said the nomination reflected the governor’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and recognition of the immense contributions of Ndi Igbo to the development of Edo State.

The union pledged its unwavering support for the Okpebholo administration and promised to mobilise its members across the state in appreciation of what it described as a historic gesture.

The Publicity Secretary of the union, Nze Nnamdi Duruoha, noted that the nomination was the first of its kind in over a century of the Igbo community’s presence in Edo State.
“We have been here for over a century, and this is the first time one of us is being considered for the position of commissioner. We are grateful to the governor for recognising the contributions and potential of Ndi Igbo in Edo State,” he said.

Also speaking, the Igbo Woman Leader in Edo State, Mrs. Okechuku Victoria, described the nomination as a historic milestone and commended Governor Okpebholo’s inclusive leadership, while pledging the support of Igbo women across the state for his administration.