BREAKING: Edo Governor Shakes Up Cabinet, Creates New Ministry

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the creation of a new Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations and redeployed three commissioners as part of a major cabinet reshuffle.

The governor also assigned portfolios to two newly sworn-in commissioners in a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery across the state.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, announced the changes in a statement issued on Thursday, noting that all the new appointments and redeployments would take immediate effect.

Under the new arrangement, Iriabekhai Kayode Jeffery has been posted to the Ministry of Mining, while Martin Anayochukwu Oli will oversee the newly established Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations.

According to the state government, the new ministry was created to promote stronger relationships among Edo’s various ethnic and community groups.

The government explained that the ministry would work towards fostering peaceful coexistence, strengthening inter-community harmony and leveraging the state’s cultural diversity for development.

“The Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations is a newly created Ministry established to promote inter-ethnic and inter-community harmony, strengthen peaceful coexistence, and harness the rich and ever-evolving diversity of Edo citizens as an asset for the development and unity of the State,” the statement said.

The government added that the initiative was part of broader efforts to promote unity and peaceful coexistence while turning Edo’s diversity into an advantage for the state’s development.

Three Commissioners Redeployed

Governor Okpebholo also approved the redeployment of three serving commissioners, saying the decision was aimed at aligning their new responsibilities with their experience, skills and competencies.

As part of the reshuffle, Ohimai Ehijimetor, formerly Commissioner for Communications, has been moved to the Ministry of Livestock Development.

The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikponmwosa, has been reassigned to the Ministry of Oil and Gas.

Meanwhile, Andrew Momodu, who previously headed the Ministry of Oil and Gas, has been appointed Commissioner for Communications.

The state government stressed that all the deployments and redeployments took immediate effect.

The affected commissioners were directed to ensure a smooth handover of their previous responsibilities and immediately assume duties in their new ministries.

Governor Okpebholo also urged members of the State Executive Council to demonstrate greater professionalism, dedication and commitment in carrying out their respective responsibilities.