Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs EDSG

13/04/2026

06/04/2026

*April 6, 2026*

*GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*

The Edo State Government wishes to inform the general public that the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the redeployment of the Commissioner for Works, Hon. (Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue, from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Water Resources.

Consequently, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works is to take over pending the deployment of a new Commissioner to the Ministry.

This directive takes immediate effect.

*Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.*
Secretary to the State Government

18/03/2026

MLGCA Holds One-Day Capacity Building Training for Newly Recruited Community Development Officers

The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has held a one-day capacity-building training for its newly recruited Community Development Officers on Professional Ethics and Effective Job Skills.

Addressing the participants, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu congratulated the officers on their appointment and urged them to approach their responsibilities with diligence, integrity, and commitment. He emphasized that the present administration places high value on youth empowerment, noting that engaging young people productively forms a key component of the Governor Monday Okpebholo 5 point SHINE agenda.

The Commissioner, Hon Paul Ohonbamu signaled that the recruitment of the officers reflects Government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people while strengthening grassroots development structures. He encouraged the Community Development Officers to see themselves as important stakeholders in the government’s drive to take youths off the streets and promote community-based development initiatives. “You are relevant and have been factored into this drive,” he said

The Guest Lecturer, a Rtd Director, Community Development Department and presently a Part Time Lecturer with the Department of Adult Education, UNIBEN, Sir Solomon Isidahome, took the officers through the concept and functions of community development, highlighting their roles in mobilizing communities for sustainable growth.

The Director of Community Development MLGCA, Mrs. Eunice Onariase also guided the participants through the Day-to-Day Operations of the procedures contained in the Field Workers’ Handbook, providing practical insights to help them effectively discharge their responsibilities in the field.

The training programme was organised to equip the newly recruited Community Development Officers with the basic knowledge and practical skills required to carry out their duties efficiently in communities across the eighteen Local Government Areas in Edo State.

23/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE
NO 334/ EDSGH/206
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, EDO STATE

Wike Commissions 54 Construction Equipment for Edo LGAs, Hails Gov. Okpebholo’s Grassroots Economic Vision

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), His Excellency Nyesom Wike, has commissioned 54 construction equipment procured by the Edo State Government for the 18 Local Government Councils, describing the initiative as a major boost to grassroots economic development.

Commissioning the equipment, Wike praised the governor’s commitment to rural development and economic empowerment at the grassroots.

He said, "You have demonstrated that you love the economy of the local government. You have demonstrated that development must go to the rural areas. You have laid the foundation for Mr. President to be re-elected,”

He added, “Let me tell you, as the other opponent was busy deceiving people buying corn on the road, Mr. President was busy developing the FCT. FCT has 62 councillors, APC took 45, PDP took 17. This shows the ruling party from the opposition party.”

In his address, Governor Monday Okpebholo described the handover as a strategic step in strengthening local government administration and delivering development to rural communities.

The governor said, “Today marks a significant step in our commitment to grassroots development in Edo State in line with our SHINE Agenda,”

He stressed that development must not be centralized. “Development must not be concentrated at the centre; it must reach every village, every community and every ward. Our local governments must have the capacity to deliver practical governance for the Edo people.”

Governor Okpebholo further emphasized the purpose of the equipment, stating: “These machines are tools of transformation. They are meant to open rural roads, improve drainage, support sanitation, and accelerate local infrastructure delivery. They are not for show. They are not for storage. They are for work.”

He added that the equipment belongs to the people of Edo State and must be deployed transparently and maintained properly for public use.

Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, said governance is about identifying with the ordinary man and using political will to protect their interests.

He said, "By the governor’s actions, he is demonstrating that under his watch the local government will be developed in Edo State. Gov. Okpebholo is changing the narrative, bringing development to Edo people across all sectors of the Edo economy,”

Speaking on behalf of council chairmen, the ALGON Chairman and Chairman of Etsako East Local Government Area, Hon. Sunny Ekpeson, described the commissioning as a celebration of practical governance and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said, “We are here to take the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President to the grassroots. Governance stopped during the time of Adams Oshiomhole and it has resumed again now during the time of Monday Okpebholo,”

He noted that the event demonstrates that Governor Okpebholo is not interfering in local government administration, adding that infrastructural development is now visible across the state.

The APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said the party has succeeded in driving out bad governance, noting that Governor Okpebholo has brought practical governance and visible development.

“I advised the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) not to come into Edo State as the governor is working and the state is not for other political parties,” Tenebe said, urging opposition parties not to constitute obstacles to development.

He added that no opposition could stop the 3.5 million votes promised to President Tinubu.

Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Edo State, Edesili Anani Okpebholo, commended the administration for driving development to the grassroots.

“We thank him for the inclusion of women in governance. Edo women will support Governor Okpebholo’s vision of ensuring Edo delivers the state for APC come 2027,” she said, noting improvements in security, healthcare services and agriculture.

The ceremony, held in Benin City, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa; the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq; the Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, RT Hon Blessing Agbebaku; and members of the Edo State House of Assembly; the 18 local government council chairmen, party leaders and other stakeholders.

The event marked a major milestone in the state government’s effort to strengthen local government capacity and entrench practical governance across Edo State.

Signed:
Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
Monday,23 February 2026

17/02/2026

The official hand-over of 54 construction equipment to the eighteen Local Government Area councils has been rescheduled as follows👇

16/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE
NO 323/EDSGH/2026
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR, EDO STATE

Gov Okpebholo to Unveil 54 Construction Equipment for LG Councils in Edo

In what promises to be a defining moment for grassroots governance in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo is to formally present 54 units of construction equipment to the 18 Local Government Councils across the state.

The event scheduled for Thursday in Benin City underscores Governor Okpebholo administration's commitment to practical governance, real infrastructure renewal, and the strengthening of local governance structures.

The equipment — including graders, excavators, rollers and other heavy-duty machines — is expected to significantly boost road construction, rural access projects, drainage rehabilitation and other community-driven infrastructure works. By placing critical tools directly in the hands of local councils, the government aims to fast-track development at the grassroots and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks.

The initiative is a strategic intervention designed to empower council leadership, stimulate economic activity in rural communities, and deliver tangible dividends of democracy across Edo's three senatorial districts.

The commissioning to be performed by the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike will feature top government officials, political stakeholders, traditional rulers and community leaders.

Date: Thursday
Venue: Benin City
Event: Commissioning and Presentation of 54 Construction Equipment to 18 Local Government Councils

Signed:
Patrick Akhere Ebojele, PhD
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State
Monday,16 February 2026

30/01/2026

The Honourable Commissioner, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu has received the Executives of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPENAS), who were on a courtesy visit to his office in Benin City.

The Commissioner reassured the pensioners of the State Government’s commitment to addressing their concerns, describing their welfare as a priority of the Governor Monday Okpebholo led-administration. He noted that deliberate steps were being taken to improve the living conditions of retirees and commended LOGPENAS for its constructive engagement with government.

30/01/2026

MLGCA Partners MCDE on Strengthening Grassroots Digital Transformation

In furtherance of the Sen. Monday Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs (MLGCA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy (MCDE), has intensified efforts to deepen grassroots governance through digital innovation in the State.

The initiative followed a strategic inter-ministerial meeting, which held at the conference room of MLGCA in Benin City, as organised by the Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor, and his counterpart, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu.

Hon. Ehijimetor and his Team did a PowerPoint presentation on the functionality of the proposed standardised website for each of the 18 local government councils of Edo State, using Oredo as a Case study. According to the proposal, the websites will provide local government councils with a strong digital presence that promotes transparency, improves access to information, and streamlines service delivery. It added that Each platform is expected to serve as an official communication channel, featuring governance structures, budgets, ongoing and completed projects, public notices, development programmes, and direct contact portals for citizens.

The Commissioner for Communication and Digital Economy described his Ministry as a critical driver of the Edo State’s Digital Innovation Agenda. He noted that the SHINE Agenda represents responsive and effective governance that must extend beyond physical offices into accessible and inclusive digital spaces.

In his remarks, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu commended the initiative, describing it as a clear reflection of the administration's commitment to innovation, transparency, and effective local governance. He noted that a strong digital presence for LGAs would improve communication, showcase grassroots development efforts, and enhance the visibility and responsiveness of local government councils.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Mrs. Jennifer Aisuan, assured that the collaboration would be sustainable, stressing that continuous training and retraining of LG Council personnel would guarantee regular, accurate, and timely data updates on the platforms.

Earlier, the functional Director of E-Government and Digital Services in the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Mr. Donatus Igiekheume, presented a demonstration of the proposed platforms. He emphasized that local governments are the first point of contact between government and the people, adding that digitizing their operations will bring governance closer to citizens, enhance accountability, ensure data protection, and align Edo State with global e-governance standards.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernise public administration and enhance citizen participation in governance at the grassroots. When implemented, the LGA website project is expected to bridge information gaps, strengthen public trust, and position Edo State as a leading subnational entity in digital governance.

By Nas E. Odigie and Daniel-Nwosu Nohunwan Lucy

Photo Caption:
The Commissioner, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Hon. Ohimai Ehijimetor (6th left); the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu (6th right); the Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Pauline I. Irusota, Esq. (5th right); the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, Mrs. Jennifer Aisuan (5th left); and the Director, Communication and Digital Policy, Mr. Odion Daniel (4th right), with other stakeholders during an inter-ministerial meeting at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Benin City.

30/01/2026

*GOVERNMENT SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*

*Minor Cabinet Reshuffle to Strengthen Governance and Efficiency*

It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved a minor reshuffle in the Edo State Executive Council as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, enhance service delivery, and promote greater efficiency in the administration of state affairs.

In furtherance of this decision, the following changes have been approved:

1. *Barr. Vincent Osas Uwadiae,* Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, is hereby redeployed to the Ministry of Lands and Housing as Commissioner.
2. *Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa,* Commissioner for Lands and Housing, is appointed as Chief of Staff to the Governor, Governor’s Office.
3. *Hon. Gani Audu,* Chief of Staff to the Governor, is nominated to resume as Commissioner for Oil and Gas Resources, subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly.

This minor cabinet reshuffle takes effect from 30th January, 2026.

His Excellency expresses confidence that these strategic adjustments will further enhance coordination, policy implementation, and effective governance in Edo State.

Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.
Secretary to the State Government

27/01/2026

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jsz23RbjG3RiplmgGcb9pcAoXIIEkBbP/view?usp=drivesdk

27/01/2026

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE
PEOPLE: GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO’S PRACTICAL
LEADERSHIP

05/12/2025

EDO LGCA Sets to Partner Stakeholders on Building Reliable Statewide Data

The Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, has disclosed his ministry’s plan to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in building a reliable, accurate, and comprehensive database that will reflect the true needs and realities of residents across the 18 local government areas (LGAs) of Edo State.

Hon. Ohonbamu, represented by the Director of Local Government Matters, Mrs. Edith Urhoghide, revealed the plan in Benin City during a stakeholders’ engagement on the Enumeration Exercise for building a comprehensive database of public and private facilities across the 18 LGAs. He said the engagement formed steps of carrying out a statewide enumeration of public and private facilities, aimed towards strengthening data-driven governance to create a reliable database to support Governor Monday Okpebholo’s 'SHINE' Agenda.

According to Hon. Ohonbamu, “Government can only plan effectively when it can see clearly, and this enumeration gives us that clarity.” He asserted that the project will strengthen the capacity of community leaders, harmonize strategies, clarify operational guidelines, address existing gaps, an enhance service delivery, as according to him, accurate data remains the foundation of effective governance.

The Commissioner emphasized the long-standing challenges the State has faced due to inadequate demographic and facility data, stating that the enumeration will further generate vital information on communities, infrastructure, schools, hospitals, security installations, markets, water sources, and other socio-economic assets in the State.

During her presentation of the project concept, the Director of Policy, Planning, Research, and Statistics, Dr. (Mrs.) Patience Uyigue, stated that the objective of the exercise is to collaboratively build accurate and comprehensive data across the state. She maintained that data collection is essential for maximizing opportunities, improving efficiency, identifying gaps and bottlenecks, and also providing solutions to development challenges.

She submitted that a reliable database is crucial for sustainability and continuity, as the project is intended to integrate existing records into a single, easily accessible data repository.
Stakeholders at the meeting were tasked with harmonizing strategies, clarifying roles, and finalizing operational plans for the field exercise expected to commence in the year 2026.

Speaking on their responsibilities, the Head of Department of the Edo State Bureau of Statistics’ Data Transformation, Archiving, and Dissemination, Mr. Elvis Izekor, reaffirmed the Bureau’s role in the project, stating that they will be actively involved in digital data collection to ensure accuracy and ease of collation.

Some action points from the stakeholders’ engagement included narrowing the project scope to prioritize components of the SHINE Agenda while ensuring the use of accurate questionnaires, conducting sensitization sessions with Local Government leaders, and establishing subcommittees to support a smooth ex*****on. Other recommendations included using one LGA per senatorial district for the pilot survey.

Expected outcomes included a comprehensive dataset covering all communities, enhanced community capacity for data collection and analysis, and strengthened evidence-based planning across the State. The Ministry said the database will be continuously updated to reflect current realities and to support long-term development goals.

The meeting had in attendance heads of the Department of Planning and Research from line ministries, departments, and agencies, which included the Edo State Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board, the Edo State Digital Governance, the Data Management Agency, the Local Government Service Commission, and heads of the Department of Planning in the 18 LGAs, among others.

The engagement provided opportunities for discussions and contributions from stakeholders, which will help in strengthening collaboration and implementation. The proposed database is expected to be continuously updated to reflect current realities and support long-term development goals.

Daniel-Nwosu Nohunwan Lucy
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
&
Omoruyi Patricia Osayomore
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Information and Strategy