Kingsley Ohens reporting 

BENIN CITY, Edo State — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in Dr. Washington Osifo as the state’s Commissioner for Education, charging him to intensify efforts to transform and strengthen the education sector across all levels.

Osifo, a former Commissioner for Education, resigned from the cabinet to pursue his political ambition but 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 his predecessor, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who stepped down to pursue his ambition of representing his constituency in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Okpebholo said Osifo’s reappointment was based on his credibility, competence and capacity to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to him.

The governor noted that significant work remained to be done in the state’s education sector and tasked the new commissioner with prioritising the comprehensive development of primary, secondary and tertiary education.

“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. That was why we appointed you to take charge of the ministry,” Okpebholo said.

He added that the administration expected Osifo to build on existing efforts and deliver measurable improvements that would positively impact the people of Edo State.

“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,” the governor stated.

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 sworn-in appointees, Osifo expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his loyalty to the administration’s vision and objectives.

“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,” he said.

Osifo assured the governor that he would deploy his experience, diligence and commitment towards advancing the state’s education agenda, stressing that his appointment was a responsibility he would not take for granted.

He said his loyalty would be demonstrated through hard work and effective implementation of the governor’s policies and aspirations for Edo people.

“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,” Osifo pledged.

The swearing-in ceremony underscores the Okpebholo administration’s continued focus on strengthening governance and ensuring that key sectors of the state receive purposeful leadership in line with its development agenda.

The event was contained in a statement signed by Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.