Davidson Ogbebor

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has sworn in Dr. Washington Osifo as the new Commissioner for Education in the state.

Osifo, a former Commissioner for Education, had resigned from the cabinet to pursue his political ambition. He was recently renominated by the governor and subsequently screened and cleared by the Edo State House of Assembly.

His return to the ministry followed the resignation of the former Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, who stepped down to pursue his ambition to represent his constituency in the House of Representatives.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Governor Okpebholo said Osifo was reappointed based on his credibility, competence and capacity to deliver on the responsibilities entrusted to him.

The governor noted that there was still much work to be done in the education sector and charged the new commissioner to prioritise the development of all levels of education across the state.

“Let me congratulate you, Honourable Commissioner. You were part of us a few months ago and now you are back as Commissioner for Education. We believe you will do well in that ministry. That was why we appointed you to take charge of the ministry.

“There is a lot to be done in the educational system. We want you to please develop the educational system for Edo people. I want you to follow up and develop all aspects of education — primary, secondary and tertiary education systems in Edo State. We want to record success under your watch,” Okpebholo said.

Also sworn in at the ceremony was Mr. Aghedo Oscar Onaiwu, who took the oath of office as a member of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission.

Responding on behalf of the newly sworn-in appointees, Osifo pledged his loyalty to the governor and promised to contribute his best to the development of the state’s education sector.

“This is my second time in a space of two years being sworn in as commissioner. I was here as commissioner in 2025 and now here again in 2026.

“I do not take this for granted, Your Excellency. I will do my best as commissioner. Nobody lobbied you to appoint me as commissioner, but it was your choice.

“For me, loyalty to your ideas, objectives and noble aspirations for Edo people will also be my core objective. My loyalty is to you as governor and head of government.

“Through my job and diligence, my loyalty will be defined. We will follow your footsteps and deliver for Edo people,” Osifo said.