Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged civil and public service leaders in the state to uphold discipline, teamwork and measurable results, stressing that performance and accountability will define his administration.
The governor gave the charge at the opening of a three-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials, held at the Udomi Townhall in Esan Central Local Government Area. The retreat, themed “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” marks the first major leadership retreat since the commencement of his administration.
Governor Okpebholo described the retreat as a serious working engagement aimed at strengthening governance and repositioning the state for effective service delivery.
He explained that the programme was designed to build capacity among top officials, enhance collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and improve understanding of governance processes. According to him, the administration is guided by the SHINE Agenda, which focuses on practical governance and results-driven leadership.
The governor emphasized that good governance requires collective responsibility, noting that no ministry, agency or appointee can function effectively in isolation. He stressed the need for synergy across MDAs to achieve the goals of government.
Governor Okpebholo also cautioned officials against using public office for personal gain, reminding them that leadership is a call to service. He said every public resource must deliver value and every policy must produce measurable outcomes.
He noted that the retreat represents a new approach to governance in Edo State, with renewed focus on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring, adding that the performance of appointees would be regularly assessed based on tangible results.
The governor urged participants to fully engage in the retreat, think creatively and remain committed to delivering quality governance to the people of Edo State.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., said the retreat is anchored on the philosophy that “Edo is building Edo,” emphasizing that the state’s development must be driven by its own people. He also presented Project S.H.I.N.E, the strategic framework for the state’s transformation under the Okpebholo administration.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okhungbowa, Esq., expressed confidence that the retreat would enhance 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).
