Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the creation of a Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations and redeployed three commissioners as part of a cabinet reshuffle.
The governor also gave portfolios to two newly sworn-in commissioners in an effort to improve governance and service delivery in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, announced the changes in a statement on Thursday and said they would take effect immediately.
Under the new arrangement, Iriabekhai Kayode Jeffery has been moved to the Ministry of Mining, while Martin Anayochukwu Oli will head the newly created Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations.
The state government said the new ministry was created to improve relationships among the different ethnic and community groups in Edo State.
“The Ministry of Inter-Ethnic Relations is a newly created Ministry established to promote inter-ethnic and inter-community harmony, strengthen peaceful coexistence, and harness the rich and ever-evolving diversity of Edo citizens as an asset for the development and unity of the State,” the statement said.
The government said the ministry would help promote peaceful coexistence and make use of the state’s diversity to support development.
Governor Okpebholo also approved the redeployment of three serving commissioners. He said the changes were made to better match their duties with their skills, experience and abilities.
The Commissioner for Communications, Ohimai Ehijimetor, has been moved to the Ministry of Livestock Development.
The Commissioner for Livestock Development, Prof. Omorodion Ikponmwosa, has been moved to the Ministry of Oil and Gas.
Andrew Momodu, who was previously the Commissioner for Oil and Gas, will now head the Ministry of Communications.
“All deployments and redeployments are with immediate effect,” the government said.
The affected commissioners were directed to ensure a smooth handover of their previous responsibilities and immediately begin work in their new ministries.
Governor Okpebholo also urged members of the State Executive Council to carry out their duties with greater professionalism and commitment.
