Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in the 18 newly elected Local Government Chairmen in the state, urging them to place the welfare of the people at the centre of their administration and provide responsible leadership at the grassroots.
The inauguration, held on Friday, marks the commencement of a new administration across the state’s 18 local government areas.
In a message shared on his official X account after the ceremony, the governor said the new council chairmen have a critical role to play in deepening development and ensuring that government policies positively impact residents in every community.
According to Okpebholo, the chairmen must work closely with the state government to improve the lives of the people while maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.
“I charged the Chairmen to make the development and welfare of our people their priority, complement the efforts of the State Government, and ensure that the impact of government is felt in every community. I also urged them to shun corruption and lead with humility, integrity, accountability and a genuine commitment to service.”
The governor also reminded the newly inaugurated officials that the increasing autonomy of local governments comes with greater obligations to the people.
“With greater Local Government autonomy comes greater responsibility.”
Okpebholo congratulated all 18 chairmen on their emergence and urged them to align their programmes and policies with his administration’s SHINE Agenda to accelerate development across Edo State.
“I congratulate all 18 Chairmen and charge them to key into the SHINE Agenda of the Edo State Government and work with us to build a more peaceful, prosperous and developed Edo State.”
He concluded by reminding the council leaders that their election represents a mandate from the people, urging them to earn the confidence reposed in them through effective service delivery.
“The people have entrusted you with leadership. Go and justify that trust.”