Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged civil servants and public office holders in the state to embrace discipline, teamwork, and performance-driven governance, warning against using public office for personal gain.
The governor made the call on Monday during the opening of a three-day orientation and leadership retreat for senior government officials at the Udomi Townhall in Esan Central Local Government Area. The retreat, themed “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” is the first of its kind since the beginning of Okpebholo’s administration.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, the governor stressed that the retreat is a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance, not a social event.
He said, “We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but with a purpose. This retreat is designed to provide orientation and capacity building for top government officials. I charge civil and public service leaders in Edo State to embrace discipline and teamwork to achieve measurable results. This administration is driven strictly by performance and accountability.”
Okpebholo explained that the retreat is part of efforts to reposition the administration for effective service delivery, foster collaboration across ministries, departments, and agencies, and deepen understanding of governance processes under the SHINE Agenda.
“Good governance is teamwork. No single ministry or appointee can succeed in isolation. Every policy must produce measurable results, and every naira spent must deliver value,” he said.
The governor warned appointees against personal enrichment, emphasizing that public office is a call to serve.
“Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration,” he added, urging participants to engage actively and commit fully to the collective success of the government.
Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, highlighted the retreat’s philosophy of “Edo is building Edo,” stressing that the state’s transformation must be led by Edo people. Ikhilor also presented Project S.H.I.N.E, the strategic blueprint for the state’s development under the Okpebholo administration.
In his welcome address, Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, expressed optimism that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and enhance service delivery across the state.
Participants include commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies.
Since taking office, Governor Okpebholo’s administration has pursued the SHINE agenda by constructing flyovers, new roads, and rehabilitating schools, as well as reclaiming land for public use.
Through the state’s Internal Revenue Service, monthly internally generated revenue has risen from N7 billion to over N11 billion, funding development projects. The administration has also recruited 5,000 teachers, providing them with employment letters and supervision.
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