Governor Monday Okpebholo has unveiled an aggressive strategy to combat crime, appointing retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin to spearhead the state’s security network. The announcement came during a significant reshuffling of key government positions, marking a decisive shift in the state’s approach to public safety and governance.
Speaking at a swearing-in ceremony held at the New Festival Hall in Government House, Benin City, Governor Okpebholo delivered an unequivocal message to criminal elements, vowing to drive them out of the state and restore peace to what is known as the Heartbeat of the Nation. The governor’s strong stance against criminality was underscored by his strategic appointment of the veteran police commissioner to coordinate the Edo Security Network.
The ceremony, which saw the installation of several key officials, represented more than just a routine government function. It marked the launch of a comprehensive strategy to address multiple challenges facing the state. Alongside Ibadin’s security appointment, Emmanuel Okoebor stepped in as Commissioner for Finance, while Paddy Iyamu took the helm at the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), signaling a coordinated approach to development across various sectors.
Governor Okpebholo’s message to the new appointees emphasized a clear hierarchy of priorities: state interests must supersede personal ambitions. This directive was particularly pointed in his address to the new security coordinator, where he emphasized Ibadin’s reputation and experience in law enforcement, expressing confidence in the former police commissioner’s ability to tackle the state’s security challenges head-on.
The governor’s security initiative comes at a crucial time for Edo State, as communities grapple with various security challenges. By bringing in a seasoned law enforcement professional to coordinate the state’s security network, the administration appears to be taking a more specialized approach to public safety, moving beyond traditional policing methods to establish a more comprehensive security framework.
The appointment of Emmanuel Okoebor as Finance Commissioner represents another strategic move, bringing private sector expertise into public service. Governor Okpebholo highlighted Okoebor’s extensive banking sector experience, expressing confidence in his ability to manage and optimize the state’s financial resources for development purposes. The governor’s emphasis on Okoebor’s professional background suggests a push toward more sophisticated financial management practices in state governance.
In the education sector, the appointment of Paddy Iyamu to lead SUBEB signals a renewed focus on strengthening the state’s educational foundation. The governor’s remarks about using state resources to advance education, particularly his reference to Iyamu’s previous personal investments in the sector, hint at a more resource-intensive approach to educational development.
The new appointees’ response, delivered by Finance Commissioner Okoebor, demonstrated alignment with the governor’s vision, particularly his five-point development agenda. This collective commitment from the new officials suggests a coordinated approach to addressing the state’s challenges across multiple sectors simultaneously.
The ceremony was attended by a broad cross-section of state government leadership, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Barr. Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, and Head of Service Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, among others. The high-level attendance underscored the significance of these appointments in the state’s governance structure.
These appointments, cleared by the Edo State House of Assembly at last week’s plenary, represent more than just administrative changes. They signal a comprehensive approach to state development, combining security enhancement with educational advancement and financial management reform.
The governor’s message throughout the ceremony consistently returned to the theme of public service and state development. His emphasis on using state resources effectively for development purposes, particularly in education and security, suggests a shift toward more results-oriented governance.
As Edo State embarks on this new phase under Governor Okpebholo’s leadership, the success of these appointments will likely be measured by tangible improvements in security, education, and financial management. The governor’s bold declarations against criminality, backed by strategic appointments, set the stage for what could be a transformative period in the state’s development trajectory.
