Edo governor Okpebholo charges permanent secretaries on accountability, efficiency
By Osho Olatomiwa
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged permanent secretaries to uphold accountability, financial discipline and professionalism, warning against bureaucratic bottlenecks and practices that undermine effective public service delivery.
Okpebholo gave the charge at a two-day strategic leadership and orientation retreat for permanent secretaries held from October 26 to 27, 2026, in Benin City.
He described the senior civil servants as critical partners in his administration’s development agenda, stressing that government policies must translate into measurable improvements in the lives of residents.
The governor reminded the permanent secretaries, as accounting officers of their respective ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), of their responsibility to maintain proper records, observe due process, ensure prudent management of public funds and monitor projects effectively.
He also warned against unauthorised directives issued in his name, urging them to verify such instructions and ensure compliance with established laws and financial regulations.
Okpebholo further called for innovation, faster administrative processes and stronger accountability across the public service.
Highlighting his administration’s reforms, the governor cited prompt salary payments, the continuation of the 13th-month salary, an increase in the minimum wage from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000, the clearance of promotion arrears and timely promotions.
He also highlighted the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (EdoPREP) and the Edo Cloud digital governance platform as initiatives aimed at improving public service efficiency.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, commended the administration’s investment in workers’ welfare and professional development, particularly the appointment of 20 permanent secretaries from within the service based on merit.
