Okpebholo swears in new commissioner for education

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State on Tuesday swore in Washington Osifo as the new commissioner for education.

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Osifo, an erstwhile commissioner for water resources and sanitation in the state, had resigned from the cabinet to pursue his political ambition during the APC primaries.

He was, however, recently nominated, screened, and cleared by the state House of Assembly.

His return to the ministry of education followed the resignation of Paddy Iyamu, who also stepped down to pursue his ambition to represent Oredo constituency in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony at the Government House in Benin City, Okpebholo said Osifo was appointed based on his credibility and capacity to deliver on the responsibilities assigned to him.

The governor said there was still much to be done in the education sector, urging the new commissioner to focus on developing all levels of education in the state.

“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.

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“That was why we appointed you to take charge of it.

“There is a lot to be done in the educational system. We want you to please develop the educational system for the Edo people.

“I want you to follow up and develop all aspects of education, primary, secondary and tertiary education systems in Edo. We want to record success under your watch,” the governor said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the event also featured the inauguration of Aghedo Onaiwu as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in appointees, Mr Osifo pledged their loyalty to Governor Okpebholo and promised to contribute their best towards the development of the education sector.

“This is my second time in a space of two years to be sworn in as commissioner. I was here as commissioner in 2025 and am here again in 2026.

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“I do not take this for granted, Your Excellency. I will do my best as commissioner. Nobody lobbied you to appoint me as commissioner, but it was your choice.

“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 the Edo people,” Osifo said.