In a time when public confidence in governance is often tested, moments of genuine recognition and encouragement stand out.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, recently offered such a moment when he donated SUV vehicles to three hardworking staff members of the Government House and Protocol Department.
The presentation, held on Thursday January 31st, 2026 at the Government House in Benin City, was more than a symbolic handover of keys. It was a deliberate act aimed at motivating public servants who have shown discipline, punctuality, and uncommon dedication to duty.
Governor Okpebholo, while addressing the beneficiaries, revealed that the decision was not random.
According to him, the gesture was born out of careful observation. He praised the staff for consistently resuming early and closing late, noting that commitment like theirs deserves recognition.
The governor while urging them to continue serving Edo people with diligence, said, “God kept you, and it has been your habit that you come early and close late… I watch carefully. You deserve this,”
The beneficiaries, Mary Salami of the Protocol Department, Sylvanus also in Protocol, and Mike Isoho from the ICT Unit, received the vehicles with visible excitement.
As expected, the gesture has sparked widespread reactions across social media. While many commended Governor Okpebholo for rewarding excellence, others criticized the donation as a misplaced priority, arguing that government resources should be directed elsewhere.
But such criticisms raise an important question: when did appreciating good leadership become so difficult?
Rewarding hardworking civil servants should not be controversial. In fact, it should be encouraged. Motivation remains one of the strongest tools for improving productivity in public service, especially in a system where workers often feel neglected and unappreciated.
Having served in the Edo State Civil Service for several years, I can confidently say that gestures like this are not common.
In recent history, only a few governors have shown this level of personal attention to staff welfare and Governor Monday Okpebholo is emerging as the best among them.
It is about the fact that as a leader, he has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize the wellbeing of workers.
Beyond material rewards, there is growing awareness of the number of staff with medical challenges who have received support under Governor Okpebholo’s administration.
In fact, it is difficult to point to a staff welfare concern brought to the governor’s attention that he has ignored. Such responsiveness, especially in public service, is rare and deserves acknowledgment.
We must learn, as a people, to commend good governance when we see it. Criticism is necessary in democracy, but hatred should not blindfold us to the point where nothing is ever appreciated.
Not long ago, some critics dismissed the proposed Edo Air project as unnecessary. One wonders: must every initiative be condemned simply because it comes from a political opponent?
Historically, opposition rarely praises good efforts, but society suffers when citizens refuse to acknowledge progress.
Governor Okpebholo’s donation is part of a broader attempt to encourage dedication among public servants. It sends a clear message, and the message is that, hard work will not go unnoticed under Okpebholo’s administration.
Rather than tearing down every positive step, Edo people should embrace a balanced approach, criticize when necessary, yes, but also commend when deserved.
If we continue to attack every act of goodwill, we risk discouraging leaders from doing more.
Sometimes, a good deed is simply a good deed. And this one deserves recognition. Gov. Okpebholo! you have done noble.
