Okpebholo swears in Osifo as education commissioner

From Tony Osauzo, Benin

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in Washington Osifo as Commissioner for Education, bringing him back into the state cabinet after his earlier resignation to pursue a political ambition.

Osifo, former education commissioner, was recently renominated by the governor and subsequently screened and cleared by the House of Assembly.

His return followed the resignation of the former Commissioner for Education, Paddy Iyamu, who stepped down to pursue his ambition to represent his constituency in the House of Representatives.

At the swearing-in ceremony in Benin, Okpebholo said Osifo was reappointed based on his credibility and capacity to deliver on the responsibilities of the ministry.

The governor tasked him with addressing challenges across the education sector, covering primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

“There is a lot to be done in the educational system. We want you to please develop the educational system for Edo people.

“I want you to follow up and develop all aspects of education — primary, secondary and tertiary education systems in Edo State. We want to record success under your watch,” Okpebholo said.

The governor congratulated Osifo on his return to the cabinet and expressed confidence in his ability to deliver on the administration’s education agenda.

Also sworn in at the ceremony was Aghedo Oscar Onaiwu as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, Osifo pledged loyalty to the governor and promised to contribute to the development of the state’s education sector.

“This is my second time in a space of two years being sworn-in as commissioner. I was here as commissioner in 2025 and now here again in 2026,” he said.

Osifo said he would not take the appointment for granted, promising to align his work with the governor’s policies and development objectives.

“For me, loyalty to your ideas, objectives and noble aspirations for Edo people will also be my core objective. My loyalty is to you as governor and head of government.

“Through my job and diligence, my loyalty will be defined. We will follow your footsteps and deliver for Edo people,” he said.