UDOMI (ESAN CENTRAL): Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has charged civil and public service leaders in the State to embrace discipline, teamwork and measurable results, declaring that his administration is firmly driven by performance and accountability.

The governor gave the charge at the opening ceremony of a 3-day Orientation and Strategic Leadership Retreat for top government officials at the Udomi Townhall, Esan Central Local Government Area.

The retreat, themed “High Performing Public Service for Sustainable Development of Edo State,” is the first of its kind under the Okpebholo administration.

Okpebholo said the retreat was not a social gathering but a serious engagement aimed at strengthening governance and improving service delivery across the state.

“We are gathered here today not for a jamboree, but for a purpose. This retreat is designed to serve dual purposes — orientation and capacity building for top government officials,” he said.

He explained that the programme was structured to reposition the administration for effective service delivery, enhance collaboration among ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), and deepen understanding of governance processes.

“Our administration is driven by a clear vision of the SHINE Agenda. This vision is practical governance that delivers results,” the governor stated.

Emphasising collective responsibility, Okpebholo noted that no ministry or appointee could succeed in isolation, stressing the need for teamwork across government.

“Good governance is teamwork, and no single appointee or agency can succeed in isolation. We must work as a team and strengthen collaboration across MDAs,” he said.

The governor warned appointees against using public office for personal enrichment, stressing that leadership is first and foremost a call to service.

“I want to repeat my warning to you: public office is a call to service, not for profit-making or personal gain. Every naira we spend must deliver value, and every policy must produce measurable results,” he warned.

According to him, the retreat signals a fresh approach to governance in Edo State, with renewed emphasis on discipline, accountability and performance monitoring.

“Your performance will be measured. Tangible results and excellence will now determine your status in this administration,” Okpebholo declared.

He urged participants to take the retreat seriously, participate actively and remain committed to delivering quality governance to the people of the state.

“I charge you to participate actively, think boldly, and commit fully to the collective success of this administration. Edo people are watching, and they deserve nothing less than excellence,” he added.

Earlier, Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., said the guiding philosophy of the retreat is that “Edo is building Edo,” stressing that the state’s transformation must be driven by its own people.

He also delivered a presentation on Project S.H.I.N.E, the administration’s official framework and strategic blueprint for Edo State’s development.

In his welcome address, the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okhungbowa, Esq., expressed optimism that the retreat would strengthen leadership capacity and enhance service delivery across the state.

Participants at the retreat include commissioners, special advisers, permanent secretaries and heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).