Okpebholo charges Edo public service leaders on discipline, performance

Monday Okpebholo of Edo has charged civil and public service leaders in the state to embrace discipline, teamwork and measurable results.

This is contained in a statement signed by Dr Patrick Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor on Tuesday in Benin.

The governor said his administration was driven strictly by performance and accountability.

Okpebholo was quoted to have made the call at the opening ceremony of a three-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials at the Udomi Town Hall in Esan Central Local Government Area.

The theme of the retreat is “High-Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State”.

Okpebholo said the gathering was not a social event but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state.

“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,” he said.

He explained that the programme was structured to reposition the administration for effective service delivery, strengthen collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and deepen understanding of governance processes.

“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.

“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,” the governor said.

According to him, the retreat marks a fresh beginning in how the Edo State Government will be run, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring.

“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, Mr Musa Ikhilor, said the philosophy behind the retreat was that “Edo is building Edo.”

He noted that the transformation of the state must be driven by Edo people themselves.

Ikhilor also delivered a presentation on Project S.H.I.N.E, the official framework and strategic blueprint for Edo State’s transformation under the Okpebholo administration.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, expressed optimism that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and improve service delivery across the state.

Participants at the retreat include commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies