— HOS Warns Against Resistance to Change, ANEEJ Backs Institutional Transparency
The Edo State Government is set to roll out the second phase of its flagship reform initiative, the Edo State Transformation and Enhancement Programme (EdoSTEP 2.0), as part of a renewed drive to entrench professionalism, accountability, and innovation within the State’s civil and public service.
The announcement was made by the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) at Government House, Benin City.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Okungbowa described the civil service as the bedrock of governance, noting that everyday interactions between citizens and public officials are what largely shape the people’s perception of government.
“Most people never meet the Governor, but they interact with civil servants in ministries, departments, and agencies. The quality of these interactions defines how they see their government. This is why we must invest in the public service,” he stated.
He revealed that Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the rollout of EdoSTEP 2.0, which will not only continue institutional reforms but also focus on transforming attitudes within the civil service.
“This next phase is about changing the way civil servants think and operate. We are not only talking about reforms on paper — we are changing mindsets. Public servants must embody responsibility, service and progress. That is the image we want citizens to see when they walk into any government office,” Dr. Okungbowa said.
He issued a stern warning to those resisting change within the system, adding that continued inefficiency or indiscipline would no longer be tolerated. “The era of obsolete practices is over. This administration has invested heavily in reforms, and anyone who refuses to align will be held accountable.”
He also praised ANEEJ for its governance initiatives and expressed the government’s willingness to collaborate, especially on shared goals like the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme.
“You are already working on initiatives that align with our reforms. We welcome collaboration. Citizens deserve to know what government is doing. OGP is about transparency and citizen co-ownership of governance. We will take this conversation further to the Governor,” he said.
In his remarks, Executive Director of ANEEJ, Rev. David Ugolor, emphasised that meaningful reform must be built on transparency, citizen inclusion, and institutional integrity. He cautioned against political appointments based on party loyalty, warning that such practices undermine service delivery and public trust.
“Public perception is shaped by service, not slogans. When services work, governments don’t need to campaign — citizens will support performance,” Rev. Ugolor said.
He urged the Edo State Government to commit to the OGP and adopt the Crime Recovery and Management Law as part of a broader anti-corruption framework. He argued that incentivising whistleblowers and establishing internal oversight mechanisms like Anti-Corruption and Transparency Units (ACTUs) in MDAs would improve accountability and promote trust.
“Government must leverage technology and citizen feedback systems to make reforms people-centred. Only then will the transformation be sustainable,” Ugolor added.
He also called for stronger social protection laws to support the most vulnerable and stressed the need for competence over political patronage in appointments, saying, “If the right people are not in the right places, even the best reforms will fail.”
As EdoSTEP 2.0 prepares to take off, both government officials and civil society agree that the road to a better-functioning civil service lies in shared responsibility, institutional discipline, and an unwavering commitment to public interest.
