Governor Monday Okpebholo has charged civil and public service leaders in Edo State to uphold discipline, accountability and teamwork, stressing that his administration will be strictly guided by measurable performance and results.
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,” is the first of its kind since the commencement of his administration.
Governor Okpebholo described the retreat as a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state, noting that it was not organised for social purposes.
“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, enhance collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and deepen participants’ understanding of governance processes.
According to the governor, his administration is anchored on the SHINE Agenda, which he described as a practical governance framework focused on delivering tangible results to Edo people.
“Our administration is driven by a clear vision of the SHINE Agenda. This vision is practical governance that delivers results,” Okpebholo stated.
He emphasised that good governance requires collective responsibility, warning that no ministry, agency or appointee can succeed in isolation.
“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,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo also cautioned political appointees against abusing public office for personal gain, stressing that leadership must be guided by service and integrity.
“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 warned.
He declared that the retreat marks a new beginning in the way the Edo State Government will operate, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring.
“Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration,” the governor declared.
Governor Okpebholo urged participants to take the retreat seriously, engage actively in discussions and remain committed to delivering quality governance to the people of Edo State.
“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 added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., explained that the guiding philosophy of the retreat is that “Edo is building Edo,” emphasising that the transformation of the state must be driven by Edo people themselves. He also presented Project S.H.I.N.E, the official strategic framework and blueprint for the state’s development under the Okpebholo administration.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okhungbowa, Esq., expressed confidence 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).
