By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
A resource person at the just concluded retreat organised by the Edo State Government for civil servants, public servants and political appointees, General Cecil Esekhaigbe (rtd), has said the initiative was designed to close critical gaps in governance and strengthen service delivery across the state.
Speaking to journalists at Udomi, the retreat venue, Esekhaigbe explained that Governor Monday Okpebholo conceived the programme to improve communication strategy and clearly define working relationships among permanent secretaries, commissioners and heads of departments and agencies.
He noted that effective governance requires a clear delineation of roles to ensure that every official is fully conversant with his or her responsibilities.
According to him, the retreat aligns with the governor’s SHINE agenda (Security, Health, Infrastructure, Natural resources and Education), adding that the engagement has helped to address governance gaps and block institutional lacunae.
He said carefully selected resource persons delivered sessions on key areas of governance, including Dr. Ezekiel Gomos, a former Secretary to the State Government, shared practical insights on relationships between commissioners, special advisers and permanent secretaries for effective service delivery.
He added that Dr. Otunba Showumi, an educationist, and other experts also spoke on education, policy formulation and administration.
Esekhaigbe said his own presentation focused on work-life balance, stressing that productivity in public service depends on the ability of officials to balance work with family and personal commitments.
He said, "You cannot work all the time and abandon family life. For you to be productive, you need to understand when to work and when to slow down so that productivity remains constant,”
On the choice of Udomi as the retreat location, he described it as a deliberate and symbolic decision by the governor to inspire communities and promote inclusiveness.
He said the exercise has shown that hard work can produce individuals who aspire to greatness and return to contribute to their communities, adding that participants from Benin have also gained a better understanding of Edo State’s three senatorial zones.
He expressed confidence that similar retreats would be held in Edo North to further strengthen unity and governance cohesion.
Other speakers at the retreat who echoed similar views include a member of the Edo State Audit Commission, Hajia Maimunah Momodu, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, among others, who emphasised the need for synergy, clear role definition and policy coherence for effective governance in Edo State.
