Edo Governor Okpebholo Urges Permanent Secretaries to Innovate

Senator Monday Okpebholo, the governor of Edo State, addressed permanent secretaries on the importance of innovation and accountability during a two-day Strategic Leadership and Orientation Retreat held in Benin City. He urged the officials to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and resist corruption while ensuring that government policies yield measurable benefits for residents.

Okpebholo described permanent secretaries as accounting officers of their respective ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), stressing the need for financial discipline, due process, and prudent management of public resources. He cautioned against acting on unverified directives attributed to him and highlighted the civil service's role in preserving institutional memory.

The governor also called for expedited decision-making, reduced delays in file processing, and improved public service delivery. He mentioned his administration's reforms, including prompt salary payments, continuation of the 13th-month salary, an increase in the minimum wage from N70,000 to N75,000, and the clearance of promotion arrears.