The governor of Edo State Monday Okpebholo, has nominated an Enugu State-born businessman, Martin Anayochukwu Oli, for appointment as commissioner, making him the second non-indigene to be considered for a key position in the state administration.
The nomination was announced in a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Patrick Ebojele, who said the move reflects the administration’s resolve to promote inclusiveness in governance.
He said the Secretary to the Edo State Government, Umar Ikhilor, announced the nomination as part of the governor’s efforts to ensure that the state’s diverse ethnic communities are adequately represented in government.
The statement said: “The governor has again demonstrated its commitment to inclusive governance by nominating Mr. Martin Anayochukwu Oli, a businessman and community leader from Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State, as Commissioner-Designate in Edo State.
“Mr. Oli’s nomination is the second major appointment involving a non-Edo ethnic group since Governor Okpebholo assumed office, following the appointment of Hon. Abdulkarim Kadiri, a respected Hausa-Fulani community leader in Edo State, as Special Adviser on Community Matters in November 2024.
“It highlights the Governor’s vision of building an administration that recognises the contributions of all residents, irrespective of ethnic background.”
Ebojele noted that Edo State is home to several ethnic nationalities, including the Igbo, Hausa-Fulani and Yoruba, whose contributions to commerce, culture and social development have continued to shape the state’s progress.
He explained that the nomination of Oli aligns with the administration’s objective of ensuring that all communities have meaningful representation in governance and opportunities to contribute to policymaking.
The governor’s spokesman also described Oli as an entrepreneur with extensive private sector experience who has distinguished himself as a community advocate within the Igbo community in Edo through grassroots development initiatives and programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.
He added that the nomination reflects the administration’s emphasis on competence, dedication and community service in selecting public office holders.
Oli’s nomination will now be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation in line with constitutional provisions.
