Governor Okpebholo Swears In Osifo As Education Commissioner, Tasks Him With Reforming Edo’s Education Sector
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in Dr. Washington Osifo as the new Commissioner for Education, charging him to consolidate ongoing reforms and drive development across all levels of the state’s education sector.
Osifo, who previously served as Commissioner for Education, resigned from the cabinet to pursue his political ambition. He was subsequently renominated by Governor Okpebholo, screened and cleared by the Edo State House of Assembly before his return to the cabinet.
His reappointment followed the resignation of the former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who stepped down to pursue his ambition to represent his constituency in the House of Representatives.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo said Osifo’s appointment was based on his credibility, experience and capacity to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to him.
The governor noted that much remained to be done in the education sector and urged the new commissioner to prioritise the comprehensive development of primary, secondary and tertiary education in Edo State.
“Let me congratulate you, Honourable Commissioner. You were part of us a few months ago and now you are back as Commissioner for Education. We believe you will do well in that ministry. That was why we appointed you to take charge of the ministry,” Okpebholo said.
He added: “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.”
Also sworn in during the ceremony was Mr. Aghedo Oscar Onaiwu, who took the oath of office as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.
Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated appointees, Osifo expressed appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for the confidence reposed in him and pledged his loyalty to the governor and commitment to advancing the administration’s vision for Edo State.
“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,” Osifo said.
He assured the governor that he would bring his experience, diligence and commitment to bear in the discharge of his responsibilities.
“I do not take this for granted, Your Excellency. I will do my best as commissioner. Nobody lobbied you to appoint me as commissioner, but it was your choice.
“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 pledged.
The swearing-in ceremony further underscored the Okpebholo administration’s renewed focus on strengthening governance and delivering measurable results across key sectors, particularly education and local government administration.
