The Governor attended the swearing-in of 4 newly appointed Commissioners at the Edo State Government House in Benin City. The event took place on Friday, August 25. During this event, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki said that holding public offices should not be seen as a profit-making venture but rather as a call to serve the people and improve their quality of life.
The newly sworn-in commissioners are Asi Surajo Jubril, Zubairu Dada Abubakar, Osilama Okuofo, and Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor. Governor Obaseki, while congratulating the additional members of the Finishing Well Team, charged them with the responsibility of prioritizing the welfare of the people and delivering services that contribute to the betterment of their lives.
According to Obaseki, “I welcome you all to the swearing-in of the remaining members of the Finishing Well Team. These four men are joining the other commissioners already sworn in to help us finish this administration well.
“Today, you have taken an oath, and the world is looking. I hope you will keep copies and always reflect on your oath. You are not here to serve Godwin Obaseki. You are here to serve Edo State. So, when people ask, ‘Since you have been there, what have you done for yourself?’ You will tell them, ‘I did not come here for myself. I came here for the people.’
“As an administration, we have accomplished quite a lot, and now that you have joined, you will see what we have done. We have not spoken so much about what we have achieved, but given your strength, I know you will let other people know what we have accomplished and why we have done what we have done.”
Obaseki further noted that his government has been a foundation-laying administration to help rebuild Edo, a reason his administration has focused on such key areas as education and civil service reforms, to aid efficient and quality service delivery to the people.
Relaying the task ahead, the Governor stressed that they must make more efforts within the remaining 14 months of his administration to consolidate the structures they are putting in place and sustain the ongoing reforms and interventions beyond his administration.
“We still have much to do even though we have about 14 months left. The priority is to make sure that we build sustainability into what we are doing because the question on the lips of most Edo people is, ‘Governor Obaseki, when you leave, by the time you complete what you are doing, are you sure the next administration would sustain what you have started?’
“So, our role in the next 14 months is to make sure that we put in place structures, we communicate effectively with our people so that God forbid, should the person who takes over start derailing, the people would put that person back on course. This is why the 30-year development plan for Edo is of priority.
You must be involved in telling Edo people and assuring them the plans we have for the people and that what we have done in the last six years is the foundation of the projects we have put in place.”
Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed commissioners, Osilama Okuofo thanked the Governor for the opportunity to serve, noting that he and his freshly sworn colleagues would contribute their quota to the development and successful completion of the Governor Obaseki-led administration.
According to Okuofo, “I want to extend our gratitude to Mr. Governor for counting us worthy to be part of his administration. On behalf of the newly appointed commissioners, we would like to say, in line with what you just espoused, we are proud to be part of your team and look forward to contributing our quota in ensuring that you finish well and strong.
We assure Edo people that we will give the Governor all the necessary support and advice to ensure Edo becomes great again.”
Also in attendance were the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Chief Judge of Edo State, Justice Daniel Okungbowa; State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Anthony Aziegbemi, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Iyoha Osaigbovo, other members of the State Executive Council, members of Edo State House of Assembly, top government functionaries, top party chieftains, amongst others.
