Head of Service Hails Governor’s Visionary Leadership
Edo State Governor, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, has in less than nine months embarked on sweeping reforms that are transforming the State’s civil and public service into one of the most efficient and professional in Nigeria.
Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, praised the Governor’s visionary commitment to repositioning the civil service, describing it as “the engine room of governance and a critical driver of the SHINE Agenda.”
He noted that Governor Okpebholo has demonstrated unusual attention to the workforce, stressing that “renewal cannot be realized without a motivated, professional, and well-resourced civil service.”
1,000 Cleaners Absorbed as Civil Servants
In one of his landmark reforms, Governor Okpebholo ended outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employed 1,000 cleaners as civil servants.
The Governor explained that funds previously wasted on contracts could sustainably cover direct employment at the new minimum wage of ₦75,000, ensuring dignity, job security, and full protection under civil service rules.
Over 3,000 New Workers Recruited Across Key Sectors
The administration has recruited close to 2,000 new staff across health, education, and agriculture, bringing total new hires to more than 3,000 in under a year.
- Health sector: Over 1,300 workers absorbed into the Hospitals Management Agency.
- Education: More than 4,000 EdoSTAR teachers made permanent staff.
- Agriculture: New extension officers approved to boost food production.
Governor Okpebholo has also approved fresh recruitment of graduate doctors, health professionals, and teachers to close critical workforce gaps.
Merit-Based Promotions, Improved Welfare Packages
The Civil Service Commission has been reconstituted and will now clear backlog promotions through the Edo-PREP system, ensuring merit and competence are rewarded.
On welfare, salaries continue to be paid promptly before the 26th of every month, alongside a 13th-month wage in December. Edo is now among only three states paying a ₦75,000 minimum wage.
Pensioners have equally benefited, with:
- ₦300 million released monthly for gratuities.
- ₦1 billion dedicated to clearing arrears since 2012.
- ₦65 million in insurance claims paid to families of deceased staff.
Infrastructure Renewal and Identity Reforms
Significant investments are ongoing in infrastructure and institutional renewal. Government buildings on Ezoti Street are being renovated to house Ministries and Agencies, while doctors’ quarters are also under rehabilitation.
To boost morale and pride, the Governor introduced a Civil Service Anthem, a new dress code, and Civil Service Week, rekindling identity and dignity in the service.
Edo Civil Service Positioned as National Model
“Governor Okpebholo sees, he acts, and he takes responsibility. He is not only reforming structures but restoring value in public service,” Dr. Okungbowa said.
With the Edo-PREP blueprint, the administration aims to consolidate these gains and set the Edo Civil Service on course to become the finest in Nigeria.
“The nation is watching, and Edo is setting the pace,” Dr. Okungbowa affirmed.
