Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has nominated Mr. Martin Anayochukwu Oli, a businessman and community leader from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Commissioner-Designate, in what the state government describes as a further demonstration of its commitment to inclusive governance.
The nomination was announced on Friday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.
According to the statement, Oli’s nomination marks the second major appointment involving a non-Edo indigene since Governor Okpebholo assumed office. The first was the appointment of Hon. Abdulkarim Kadiri, a Hausa-Fulani community leader in Edo State, as Special Adviser on Community Matters in November 2024.
The government said the appointment reflects the administration’s policy of ensuring that the state’s diverse ethnic communities are represented in governance.
“Edo State is home to several ethnic communities, including Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and others, whose economic activities, cultural contributions and social engagements have become part of the state’s growth story,” the statement said.
It added that Governor Okpebholo believes inclusive governance goes beyond rhetoric by providing opportunities for residents from different backgrounds who have contributed to the development of the state to participate in decision-making.
The statement described Oli as an entrepreneur with extensive private sector experience and noted that he has built a reputation as a community advocate within Edo’s Igbo community through grassroots development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.
According to the government, the nomination underscores the administration’s emphasis on competence, commitment and community service in selecting public office holders.
Oli’s nomination will now be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in accordance with constitutional provisions.
The statement was signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele.
