Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo has underscored the need for teamwork and strengthened collaboration among government ministries, departments and agencies, (MDAs) stressing that good governance required collective responsibility as no ministry or appointee can succeed in isolation.
Governor Okpebholo therefore charged civil and public service officials in the state to embrace discipline, teamwork and measurable results, declaring that his administration is driven strictly by performance and accountability.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of a 3-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials at Udomi townhall in Esan Central Local Government Area with the theme: “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” the governor emphasised that the retreat, the first of its kind since the beginning of his administration, was not a social event but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance in the state.
According to him, “We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose. This retreat is designed to serve dual purposes — orientation and capacity building for top government officials”.
He explained that the programme was structured to reposition the administration for effective service delivery, strengthen collaboration across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and deepen understanding of governance processes.
“Our administration is driven by a clear vision of the SHINE Agenda. This vision is practical governance that delivers results,” the governor stated.
Stressing that good governance required collective responsibility, the governor noted that “Good governance is teamwork, and no single appointee or agency can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs”.
He warned appointees against using public office for personal enrichment, stressing that service must remain the guiding principle of leadership.
“I want to repeat my warning to you… public office is a call to service, and not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira we spend must deliver value and every policy must produce measurable results,” he stated.
According to him, the retreat marked a fresh beginning in the way the Edo State Government would be run, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring.
“Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration,” Okpebholo declared.
He urged participants to take the retreat seriously, participate actively and remain committed to delivering quality governance to Edo people.
“I charge you to participate actively, think boldly, and commit fully to the collective success of this administration. Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he said.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, explained that the major philosophy behind the retreat was that “Edo is building Edo,” stressing that the transformation of the state must be driven by Edo people themselves. He also delivered a presentation on Project S.H.I.N.E, the official framework and strategic blueprint for Edo State’s transformation under the Okpebholo administration.
In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, expressed optimism that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and improve service delivery across the state.
Participants at the retreat include civil commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).