Okpebholo appoints outsider to commissioner position again

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has nominated Martin Oli as commissioner, making him the second non-indigene appointed into his administration.

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In a statement on Friday, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Patrick Ebojele, said the nomination reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.

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According to the statement, the nomination, announced by the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, is another milestone in Okpebholo’s effort to ensure the state’s diverse communities are represented in government appointments.

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The statement said, “The governor has again demonstrated its commitment to inclusive governance by nominating Mr. Martin Anayochukwu Oli, a businessman and community leader from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Commissioner-Designate in Edo State.

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“Mr. Oli’s nomination is the second major appointment involving a non-Edo ethnic group since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, following the appointment of Hon. Abdulkarim Kadiri, a respected Hausa-Fulani community leader in Edo State, as Special Adviser on Community Matters in November 2024.

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“It highlights the Governor’s vision of building an administration that recognises the contributions of all residents, irrespective of ethnic background.”

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Ebojele noted that Edo is home to several ethnic communities, including Igbo, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and others, whose economic activities, cultural contributions and social engagements have become part of the state’s growth.

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He said Oli’s nomination reflects the governor’s commitment to creating a government in which diverse communities participate meaningfully in governance and contribute to policy direction.

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Ebojele added that Oli, an entrepreneur with private sector experience, has built a reputation as a community advocate within Edo’s Igbo community through grassroots development initiatives and programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.

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He said the nomination underscores the importance of recognising competence, commitment and community service in the selection of public officers.

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Oli’s nomination will proceed to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional procedures.

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