The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to transform the state’s civil and public service into a self-sufficient, innovative and highly productive system through the Edo State Public Service Retooling and Enhancement Programme (EdoPREP), a flagship reform initiative of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

The Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, described EdoPREP as a comprehensive reform architecture designed to overhaul and reposition the service for efficiency, accountability and long-term sustainability in alignment with Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda.

Speaking yesterday, February 11, 2026, during a strategic review session with key committees driving the reform initiative, Dr Okungbowa said the programme comprises 35 reform modules, with periodic engagements to track progress, interrogate implementation gaps and fine-tune strategies.

“In line with the governor’s directive, we are committed to building a service that is self-sufficient, effective, productive and innovative,” he said.

“EdoPREP is not merely a policy document; it is a deliberate and structured reform agenda aimed at transforming the entire public service ecosystem in alignment with the SHINE Agenda.”

A major highlight of the meeting was the review of the Seniority List and Gazetting Committee, chaired by Mrs Joy Irenosen Ihensekhen. The Head of Service commended the committee’s progress, noting that resolving long-standing seniority disputes was critical to restoring order, certainty and cohesion within the system.

He explained that recurring disagreements over rank often arising from appointments made by different authorities at the same time had created friction among officers expected to work collaboratively, thereby undermining productivity and teamwork.

“We considered it expedient to set up this committee to address the issue once and for all,” he said.

“From the presentation made this morning, we are confident that there will now be greater clarity and certainty in how officers progress through the ranks.”

The committee has also proposed forward-looking mechanisms to manage seniority concerns, especially in view of increasing new intakes into the service.

Dr Okungbowa also addressed members of the Committee on the Enhancement of Mentorship in the Service, previously chaired by the late Mr Osagie Uyi Asemota.

He commiserated with members over the chairman’s passing, describing it as a significant loss to the system, while announcing the appointment of a new chairman to ensure continuity.

He emphasised that institutionalising mentorship is a critical pillar of EdoPREP, arguing that the absence of structured knowledge transfer has hindered the system’s growth.

“We have experienced situations where seasoned officers leave the service without transferring their knowledge and expertise to the next generation,” he said.

“Under EdoPREP, mentorship is being institutionalised to ensure that knowledge is deliberately passed on. This provision has now been incorporated into our rules.”

On ethical reforms, Dr Okungbowa reviewed the work of the Development and Review of Code of Ethics Handbook Committee, chaired by Mrs Mojisola Dupe Idonige.

He acknowledged concerns over indiscipline within the service, warning that failure to sanction breaches of rules sends the wrong signal and encourages further misconduct.

He disclosed that the reform programme includes the development of a comprehensive Code of Ethics, metaphorically described as the “Ten Commandments of the Service” to clearly define expected standards of conduct.

“These codes will address punctuality, integrity, probity, accountability and other guiding principles of daily conduct,” he said. “We do not want these standards to be hidden or assumed. They must be visible, understood and internalised by every officer.”

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the Head of Service said EdoPREP represents a structured and forward-looking reform effort aimed at eliminating systemic inefficiencies and institutionalising best practices.

“With sustained commitment and alignment to the SHINE Agenda, the Edo Public Service will emerge stronger, more disciplined and better equipped to deliver on its mandate to the people of Edo State,” he affirmed.