Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has once again demonstrated his dedication to building an all-inclusive administration by nominating Mr. Martin Oli, a successful businessman and respected community leader from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, as a Commissioner-Designate.
This latest appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Mr. Umar Ikhilor, in Benin on Friday.
Ikhilor described the nomination as another significant step in Governor Okpebholo’s deliberate strategy to ensure that the rich diversity of communities residing in Edo State is adequately represented in key government positions.
This marks the second major appointment of a non-Edo indigene since the governor assumed office. In November 2024, he had appointed Mr. Abdulkarim Kadiri, a prominent Hausa-Fulani community leader in the state, as Special Adviser on Community Matters.
The Secretary emphasised that these moves reflect the governor’s broader vision of creating a government that values the contributions of all residents, regardless of their ethnic origins. “Edo is home to several ethnic communities, including Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba, and many others, whose economic activities, cultural richness, and social engagements have greatly enriched the state’s development story,” he noted.
Mr. Oli, an established entrepreneur with extensive private sector experience, has earned a strong reputation as a passionate advocate for the Igbo community in Edo. He has consistently supported various grassroots development initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and creating economic opportunities for residents.
Ikhilor highlighted that the nomination underscores the governor’s belief that competence, commitment to service, and community engagement should be the primary criteria for selecting public officials.
“Governor Okpebholo believes that inclusive governance is not just empty rhetoric but requires actively listening to the people, understanding their needs, and giving them a meaningful voice in decision-making processes,” he added.
This approach represents a refreshing shift towards a more open, participatory, and representative governance model in the state. The secretary stressed that individuals who have contributed to Edo’s growth deserve recognition and opportunities to serve in official capacities.
The nomination of Mr. Martin Oli will now be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in accordance with constitutional requirements.
