Governor Okpebholo Approves Four Additional Commissioner-Nominees

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the nomination of four additional commissioners to strengthen his administration's executive council, just weeks after his inauguration. The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, comes as part of ongoing efforts to fill key positions in the state's governance structure following the All Progressives Congress (APC) victory in the September 21 gubernatorial election.The nominees, whose names were forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation, include experienced technocrats and party loyalists selected to drive the governor's agenda on economic development, infrastructure, and social welfare. Sources close to the Government House confirmed the list comprises:Dr. (Mrs.) Josephine Omon Ibhazan, proposed for the Ministry of Health; Hon. Emmanuel Okhueleigbe, slated for the Ministry of Environment and Sustainability; Chief (Mrs.) Ogbemudia Osunde, nominated for the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development; and Mr. Felix Efe Izuyon, earmarked for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Governor Okpebholo, a first-time governor and former senator, emphasized in a statement that these appointments reflect his commitment to inclusive governance and harnessing expertise to address Edo's pressing challenges, including healthcare access, environmental protection, gender empowerment, and agricultural productivity. "These nominees bring a wealth of experience that will accelerate our vision for a prosperous Edo State," he said, urging the assembly for expeditious approval.The Edo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, acknowledged receipt of the nomination letters and pledged to commence screening processes within 48 hours, in line with constitutional requirements. This follows the earlier approval of 18 commissioners last month, bringing the total to 22 and completing the bulk of the cabinet formation.The move has been welcomed by APC stakeholders in Edo, who view it as a strategic step to consolidate the new administration amid economic headwinds and post-election reconciliation efforts. Opposition voices from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) called for transparency in the screening to ensure merit-based selections.

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