Okpebholo Tasks Edo Public Service Leaders on Performance, Accountability at Leadership Retreat

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has charged civil and public service leaders in the state to uphold discipline, teamwork, and measurable performance, stressing that his administration will operate strictly on the principles of accountability and results-driven governance.

The governor gave the charge on Tuesday during the opening ceremony of a three-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials, held at the Udomi Townhall in Esan Central Local Government Area of the state.

The retreat, themed “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” is the first major leadership and capacity-building programme organised by the Okpebholo administration since assuming office.

Governor Okpebholo described the retreat as a critical governance exercise rather than a ceremonial gathering, noting that it was designed to provide both orientation and strategic capacity-building for senior government officials.

“This is not a jamboree. We are here for a purpose. This retreat is structured to strengthen governance, improve service delivery, and reposition this administration for effective leadership,” the governor said.

He explained that the programme was aimed at strengthening collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), deepening understanding of governance processes, and aligning public service leadership with the administration’s development blueprint.

According to the governor, his administration is guided by the SHINE Agenda, which he described as a practical governance framework focused on delivering tangible outcomes for Edo people.

“Our vision is clear. The SHINE Agenda is about governance that works and delivers results. No ministry or appointee can succeed in isolation. Good governance is teamwork,” he stated.

Governor Okpebholo also warned political appointees and public servants against abusing public office for personal gain, stressing that leadership must remain anchored on service to the people.

“Public office is a call to service, not an avenue for profit-making or personal enrichment. Every naira spent must deliver value, and every policy must yield measurable results,” he warned.

He further declared that the retreat marked a new phase in the administration’s approach to governance, with strict performance monitoring and accountability now taking centre stage.

“Performance will be measured. Excellence and tangible results will determine your relevance in this administration,” the governor said, urging participants to engage actively and commit to delivering quality governance.

“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., said the retreat was anchored on the philosophy that “Edo is building Edo,” emphasising that the state’s development must be driven by its own people. He also presented Project S.H.I.N.E, the administration’s official strategic framework for Edo State’s transformation.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okhungbowa, Esq., expressed confidence that the retreat would enhance leadership effectiveness and significantly improve public service delivery across the state.

Participants at the retreat include Honourable Commissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, and heads of ministries, departments and agencies.

According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD, the retreat underscores the Okpebholo administration’s commitment to building a disciplined, accountable, and high-performing public service that meets global governance standards.