Gov Okpebholo Appoints New Commissioners

Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the nomination of three new commissioner-designates.

This was announced in a statement by the secretary to the state government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, on Friday.

The new commissioner-designates are Elizabeth Ebosele, Christopher Ewere Okaeben, and Festus Odianosen Ebea.

According to Mr Ikhilor, the names of the new commissioner-designates would be forwarded to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

According to the statement, Mr Ebosele is a development economist and public policy expert with strong credentials in budgeting, planning, and governance.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Benin and has served as a technical adviser on budget and national planning at the federal level.

She was a member of the technical working group on ‘Cross-cutting Issues (Employment, Gender and People with Special Needs)’ for the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025).

Mr Okaeben is a public servant and legislator from Edo, holding both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in banking and finance from the University of Benin.

He has held several key public offices, including supervisory councillor (works and transport) in Oredo LGA, senior special assistant on youth employment, secretary to Oredo Council, executive director of the Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Committee, and commissioner for youth and sports.

He also represented the Oredo West constituency between 2015 and 2023 at the State House of Assembly, where he chaired key committees, including health, women’s affairs, energy, and water resources.

According to the statement, Mr Ebea is a respected legislator, political leader, and former deputy speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, representing the Esan South East Constituency and championing grassroots development and legislative reforms.

As the recipient of the traditional title Obarisiagbon of Ubiaja, he has been actively involved in Edo politics for over a decade, contributing to policy debates and advocating for governance.

As a justice of the peace and community mobiliser, Mr Ebea is known for his commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and strengthening democratic processes.

(NAN)