Edo State House of Assembly Confirms Governor Okpebholo’s Eight Commissioner Nominees

Benin City, Edo State – The Edo State House of Assembly has officially ratified the appointment of eight commissioner-nominees presented by Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor, Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The confirmation, which took place during a plenary session, followed a thorough screening process by the House Committee on Rules, Business, and Government House. The committee returned a positive report with 11 findings and a single recommendation for approval, which was unanimously adopted by the assembly.

The newly confirmed commissioners are:

· Nosa Adams
· Yakubu Oshiorenua
· Felix Akhabue
· Professor Omorodion Ignatius
· Ohimai Ehijimetor
· Eugenia Abdallah
· Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi
· Prince Kassim Afegbua

The request for confirmation was made by Governor Monday Okpebholo, who recently assumed office. Okpebholo, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), succeeded Governor Godwin Obaseki after winning the September 2023 gubernatorial election. This cabinet selection is one of his first major executive actions aimed at forming his administration’s team to govern Edo State.

Edo State is a strategically important state in South-South Nigeria. Its capital, Benin City, is rich in history as the heart of the ancient Benin Kingdom, renowned for its unique arts and culture. Economically, the state is a hub for agriculture (notably rubber and palm oil), and while it hosts oil and gas production, it also faces challenges related to infrastructure and economic diversification. The state is home to a diverse and politically engaged population.

The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, who presides over the legislative arm of the state government, announced the confirmation. He emphasized that all nominees were found to be bona fide residents of Edo State, possessed the requisite skills, and met the necessary qualifications to serve as commissioners.

He encouraged the appointees to be proactive and work closely with the governor to drive policies and projects for the development of the state. However, Speaker Agbebaku also expressed a significant concern regarding a noticeable gender imbalance in the nominations, noting that only one woman, Eugenia Abdallah, was included on the list of eight nominees.

Following the deliberations, the House approved the nominees through a voice vote. The new commissioners are expected to be sworn in and assigned their respective portfolios shortly.