BENIN CITY, Nigeria — Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed Melody Omosah as the state’s first visually impaired permanent secretary, along with 19 others, in a move that has been hailed as a significant step towards inclusive governance and recognition of persons with disabilities in the state’s civil service.
Omosah, who was among the 20 permanent secretaries sworn in on Friday at the Government House in Benin City, holds a PhD in Public Administration. The governor also swore in two commissioners and members of the governing council of the Edo State College of Health Sciences and Technology.
The governor, while congratulating the newly appointed permanent secretaries, charged them to bring their wealth of experience and expertise to bear in the service of the state. He warned them against abusing the privileges of their offices, stressing that the government would not tolerate any form of misconduct.
Okpebholo also tasked the new permanent secretaries with upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties. He said the appointments were based on merit and competence, and reflected his administration’s commitment to building a robust civil service capable of driving the state’s development agenda.
The appointment of Omosah has been widely praised by disability rights advocates and civil society organisations, who described it as a landmark moment for inclusion in Edo State. They noted that the appointment sends a powerful message that persons with disabilities can aspire to the highest levels of public service and that the government is committed to breaking down barriers to their participation.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and development of persons with disabilities in the state, promising that more inclusive policies would be implemented to ensure that no one is left behind in the state’s development journey. He also called on other stakeholders to support the government’s efforts to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity for all citizens.
