Okpebholo Approves Appointment Of Finance Commissioner, Five Others After Freezing Edo Bank Accounts

Shortly after freezing all state-owned bank accounts and ordering an investigation into the use of public funds by past administration, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of six individuals to head various Ministry and agencies in the state.

Notably, the governor appointed Engr. Emmanuel Okoebor as the Commissioner of Finance.

This latest appointments were announced via a statement by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, on Friday, November 15.

The statement noted that the six new appointments are with immediate effect.

According to Itua, Okpebholo appointed Dr. Emmanuel Paddy lyamu as the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB); Lucky Enehita Inegbenehi as the Managing Director of the State Waste Management Board; CP Friday Ibadin, Rtd, State Corps Commander, Edo State Security Corps Governance.

Others are, Stainless M.I. Ijeghede as the Managing Director, Edo State Traffic Management Agency, (EDSTMA); Sir (Dr.) Lucky Eseigbe, as Managing Director, Edo State Public Building and Maintenance Agency; and Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, as Hon. Commissioner of Finance.

In a series of announcement, the Edo State government highlighted the qualifications of the six newly appointed heads of agencies.

The statement reads, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Dr. Iyamu.

“He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Benin. He is also a holder of Doctor of Science in Petroleum Resources from the European American University.

“Dr. Paddy Iyamu is a strategic leader and renowned expert in security, business administration, human resources. An alumnus of Oxford University (Said Business School), he holds a Professional Doctorate in Leadership and Management from City University of Paris.

“With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Iyamu has excelled across the banking, oil, and gas sectors, significantly improving corporate security and crisis management operations.

“Until his appointment, Dr. Iyamu was the Chief Executive Oficer of Gabbem Integrated Services Lid, a leading company specialized in marine equipment and services,” the notice read.

Similarly, the second notice read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Lucky Enehita – Inegbenehi, with effect from 15th November 2024.

“Inegbenehi obtained his B.Sc. (Human Resource d M.Sc. in Strategic Leadership and Governance from the University of Cape Coast respectively.

“Inegbenehi is a dynamic and result-oriented professional, with an extensive experience in leadership and human resource management. He has proven abilities to analyze complex issues, develop effective strategies and guide teams towards success while fostering professional growth.

“Inegbenehi was the Chief Executive Officer of JEI Visions Iron Metals, JEI Visions Service Apartments as well as JEI Visions Cleaning Services.”

The third notice read: “It Is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the nomination CP Friday Ibadin. He is a global security icon having worked and retired from the Nigeria Police after a meritorious 35 years of service. He was one of the 11 officers seconded to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and was a regional officer in the Headquarters.

“He has attended various security courses in Egypt, France, USA among others. CP Friday Obadin holds the Bachelor Degrees in Philosophy and Law, respectively and was later called to the Nigerian Bar in the year 2007.

“He is a member of Afican centre from crime prevention research studies, Cairo, Egypt. He is happily married with children.”

The fourth announcement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Mr. Stainless ljeghede, with effect from 15th November, 2024.

“Mr. Stainless ljeghede holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. He had a successful career in the Petroleum Industry, having worked and held sensitive positions, particularly in the Well Engineering and Safety Department in Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria Ltd.

“He retired from the Service of Shell after a meritorious service.”

The fifth announcement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the appointment of Lucky Eseigbe, effective November 15, 2024.

“Lucky Eseigbe Esq. He obtained his LL.B and LL.M at the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma respectively. Until this appointment, Lucky Eseigbe Esq, was a Legislative Aide/Legal Adviser/Consultant to notable Honourable Members of the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria from year 2007 to November 2024.”

The sixth announcement read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the General Public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo has approved the nomination of Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor.

He was born on October 21, 1972. He had his first degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Benin, Benin City respectively.

“Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor, MBA has over 25 years of experience in the Banking Sector, including roles at the Standard Trust and United Bank of Africa (UBA).

“He rose through the ranks in the Banking Industry to the position of Assistant General Manager (AGM) and is currently Regional Manager, United Bank of Africa (UBA) overseeing 15 Business Offices.

“Engr. Emmanuel Ehidiamen Okoebor MBA is also a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers and a registered member of COREN.”

This fresh appointments comes shortly after Governor Okpebholo ordered commercial banks to freeze all state-owned bank accounts pending the conclusion of an investigation into the use of public funds in the state.

The governor threatened to deal with banks who fail to comply with this directive.