From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, yesterday, aanounced three appointments into his cabinet. Former Commissioner for Works in the immediate past administration, Osarodion Ogie,  was named the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

Ogie was the director general of the Godwin Obaseki Campaign Organisation.

Also appointed were Mr. Taiwo Francis Akerele as the Chief of Staff, Government House and John Mayaki as interim Chief Press Secretary (CPS).

Meanwhile, Obaseki has promised to reduce cost of governance not by sacking workers but by realigning the current workforce.

He said his team would work with the permanent secretaries in the next six weeks with a view to understanding the processes and the system.

Governor Obaseki, who disclosed that the monthly revenue, including Internally Generated (IGR), of the state has dwindled to about N4 billion from about N7 billion six years ago, reminded the new appointees and permanent secretaries that his purpose in governance was to serve the people because expectations from the people were high.

He also assured that his administration would deliver on its promises.

He said he started working with Ogie nine years ago when he (Ogie) was asked to join the team that drew the blueprint for Oshiomhole’s administration.

“Our project is God’s project. God has given us strength. God has given us the power. Ogie and I started this project nine years today. Both of us have been at the integral part of the Edo project.

I feel secured that he is somebody who understands what this is all about.

“It requires a lot of hardwork, commitment and dedication to our people. I have no doubt that the task is daunting. We do not have the kind of resources we had six years ago. Everywhere we travelled to during the campaigns, people had demand for better schools, healthcare system and new lease of life. We cannot afford to make excuses. Even though we have these challenges, it is incumbent on us that we must deliver and it starts from the way we organize government right from the quality of people who heads government.“