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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Works, John Obanor, has pledged to deploy his experience and the opportunity provided by his new position towards improving the welfare of residents and contributing to the development of the state.
Obanor made the commitment at a well-attended Thanksgiving Service held in his honour at Eagles Ministry, Benin City, where he described his appointment as a “clarion call” to greater service, responsibility and accountability.
Speaking on the responsibilities attached to his new office, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged the demands of public service, saying his appointment offered him an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the progress and wellbeing of Edo State.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. It is just a clarion call for us to be able to contribute our little quota to the welfare of Edo State, based on the opportunity given by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Obanor commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as his firmness, resilience and determination to remain focused on the objectives of his administration.
He said the governor’s resolve to confront the challenges facing the state and leave a positive mark on its development deserved commendation.
“I want to thank the governor for his firmness and resilience to ensure that, regardless of whatever, he has stayed focused and wanted to put things straight and make a mark,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the responsibilities ahead would be demanding but expressed optimism that, with divine guidance, he and other officials entrusted with responsibilities would deliver on their mandates.
“It is a clarion call. Everybody knows that it is demanding. We are praying for grace to be able to do the needful by His grace,” he added.
Expressing appreciation for the large turnout at the Thanksgiving Service, Obanor attributed the show of support to God’s grace and favour.
He described the gathering as humbling, stressing that the turnout was not a reflection of superiority over others but an indication of divine favour and the willingness of people to respond to a call.
“It is humbling because the Bible says God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.
“The turnout of the crowd is not because we know it better than others, but because by His grace, favour has found us. And it is one thing to call it; it is another thing for people to respond,” he said.
Obanor thanked his family members, friends, colleagues and associates for their support and for contributing to the success of the Thanksgiving Service.
He reaffirmed his commitment to making the most of the opportunity entrusted to him, pledging to serve with a renewed sense of responsibility and contribute to the welfare of Edo residents and the development of the state.
