12th July, 2017
Jethro Ibileke/Benin
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has assigned portfolios to the 18 Commissioners he swore in last Thursday.
The assignment of the newly appointed Commissioners to various ministries was announced at the first Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held by the Obaseki-led administration in Edo State.
While many of the Commissioners were appointed to already existing ministries, others were assigned to ministries that were reorganised and renamed by the present administration.
Obaseki who was Chairman in Council during the meeting, announced that the State would now be operated under 18 ministries.
The ministries include: Energy and Water Resources to be handled by Yekini Idaiye; Communication and Orientation led by Barrister Paul Ohonbamu; Science and Technology, Emmanuel Agbale; Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment, led by Emmanuel Usoh; Women Affairs and Social Development, led by Magdalene Ohenhen; Infrastructure, led by Osahon Amiolemen; Minerals, Oil and Gas, led by Joseph Ughioke; Youth and Special Duties, led by Mika Amanokha; Finance, led by Osagie Inegbedion; Budget, led by Hajia Maryam Abubakar.
Others are: Physical Planning and Urban Development, led by Edorodion Oye Erimona; Justice, Professor Yinka Omorogbe; Arts, Culture and Diaspora, led by Osaze Osemwegie-Ero; Agriculture and Natural Resources, led by Monday Osaigbovo; Education, led by Dr. Chirstopher I. Adesotu; Environment and Sustainability, led by Reginald Okun; Health, led by Dr. David Osifo; Local Government and Community Affairs, led by Jimoh Ijegbai.
While the Ministry of Lands has been scrapped entirely, the Ministry of Housing now transforms to Property Development Authority and the Ministries of Forestry and Sports made full Commissions.
Obaseki stated that all the Executive Orders and Gazettes necessary to reveal the new structure would be immediately released and that the terms of reference of all Council members had been finalised.
He also ordered all Commissioners to resume at their respective Ministries on July 13.