By Staff Reporter
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in Dr. Washington Osifo as the state’s new Commissioner for Education, urging him to prioritise the development of the education sector across all levels.
Osifo, who previously served as Commissioner for Education in the state, resigned from the cabinet in 2025 to pursue his political ambition. He was recently renominated by the governor and subsequently screened and cleared by the Edo State House of Assembly.
His return to the ministry followed the resignation of the former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who stepped down to pursue his ambition to represent his constituency in the House of Representatives.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo said Osifo was selected based on his credibility, experience and capacity to deliver on the responsibilities of the office.
The governor charged the new commissioner to focus on improving primary, secondary and tertiary education in Edo State.
“Let me congratulate you, honourable commissioner. You were part of us a few months ago and now you are back as Commissioner for Education. We believe you will do well in that ministry,” Okpebholo said.
He added: “There is a lot to be done in the educational system. We want you to please develop the educational system for Edo people. I want you to follow up and develop all aspects of education — primary, secondary and tertiary education systems in Edo State. We want to record success under your watch.”
Also sworn in at the ceremony was Mr. Aghedo Oscar Onaiwu, who took the oath of office as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated appointees, Osifo expressed appreciation to the governor for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his loyalty to the administration.
“This is my second time in a space of two years being sworn in as commissioner. I was here as commissioner in 2025 and now here again in 2026,” Osifo said.
He assured the governor that he would work diligently to advance the administration’s objectives and contribute to the development of Edo State’s education sector.
“I do not take this for granted, Your Excellency. I will do my best as commissioner. Nobody lobbied you to appoint me as commissioner, but it was your choice,” he said.
Osifo further pledged that his loyalty to the governor’s vision and aspirations for the people of Edo would be reflected in his performance in office.
“For me, loyalty to your ideas, objectives and noble aspirations for Edo people will also be my core objective. My loyalty is to you as governor and head of government.
“Through my job and diligence, my loyalty will be defined. We will follow your footsteps and deliver for Edo people,” he added.
The statement was signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
