The Edo State Government has reassured workers, pensioners, and the public of its unwavering commitment to the SHINE Agenda, pledging to sustain people-centred governance and deliver tangible dividends to residents.
In a statement issued on Monday by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, the government highlighted the bold and historic reforms undertaken within nine months of the governor’s assumption of office, which are transforming the state’s civil and public service into one of the most efficient and professional in Nigeria.
According to the statement, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, who is championing the reforms on behalf of the administration, commended Governor Okpebholo for his visionary leadership and commitment to the civil service.
He noted that the governor has shown “unusual attention to the workforce, making it clear that the administration’s promise of renewal cannot be realised without a motivated, professional, and well-resourced civil service.”
“Among the most notable reforms is the governor’s decision to end outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employ 1,000 cleaners as civil servants. This move, which guarantees dignity, job security and full protection under civil service rules, followed the governor’s insistence that funds previously spent on contractors could sustainably cover direct employment at the new minimum wage of ₦75,000.
“In addition, nearly 2,000 new staff have been recruited across critical sectors such as health, education, and agriculture, bringing the total number of new employees to over 3,000 in less than a year. More than 1,300 health workers have been absorbed into the Hospitals Management Agency, while over 4,000 EdoSTAR teachers have been made permanent staff, giving them greater stability and recognition”, the statement read.
The statement further explained that Governor Okpebholo had approved the recruitment of graduate doctors, health personnel, and agricultural extension officers to fill pressing workforce gaps, while continuing recruitment in education to complement the state’s unprecedented investment in school infrastructure.
It added that the Civil Service Commission has been reconstituted and is set to clear the backlog of promotions, which will now be merit-based through the Edo-PREP system — a reform designed to retool officers and ensure competence and excellence are rewarded.
