Okpebholo cautions against corruption, stresses hard work at retreat for appointees

2026-02-03 - 16:19

By Ozioruva Aliu BENIN CITY – THE governor of Edo State, Sen. Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, cautioned political appointees against corrupt practices as he called for dedication to duty, informing them that their hard work or otherwise would be monitored and evaluated, attracting necessary consequences. The governor stated this at the opening session of a three-day retreat for political appointees and selected staff of ministries and MDAs in Udomi Townhall in his hometown in Esan Central local government area. He charged the participants to embrace discipline, teamwork and measurable results, declaring that his administration is driven strictly by performance and accountability. The retreat, themed “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” is the first since the beginning of his administration. Governor Okpebholo said the gathering was not a social event but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Ebojele quoted the governor as saying that “We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose. This retreat is designed to serve dual purposes — orientation and capacity building for top government officials. “Our administration is driven by a clear vision of the SHINE Agenda. This vision is practical governance that delivers results. “Good governance is teamwork, and no single appointee or agency can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs,” Okpebholo said. The governor said “I want to repeat my warning to you, public office is a call to service, and not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira we spend must deliver value and every policy must produce measurable results,” he said and cautioned appointees against using public office for personal enrichment. He stressed that service must remain the guiding principle of leadership. “Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration. “I charge you to participate actively, think boldly, and commit fully to the collective success of this administration. Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he said. Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., explained that the major philosophy behind the retreat is that “Edo is building Edo,” stressing that the transformation of the state must be driven by Edo people themselves. In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okhungbowa, Esq., expressed optimism that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and improve service delivery across the state. Participants at the retreat include Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).