Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The newly appointed Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Ministry of Works, Engr. John Obanor, has pledged to bring his wealth of experience to bear on his new assignment, with a renewed commitment to improving the welfare of residents and advancing the development of the state.
Obanor made the pledge during a well-attended Thanksgiving Service held in his honour at Eagles Ministry, Benin City, describing his appointment as a “clarion call” to greater service, responsibility and accountability.
The Permanent Secretary said the new role presents him with an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the growth and progress of Edo State, promising to discharge his responsibilities with dedication and a strong sense of duty.
Speaking on the expectations that come with his new role, the Permanent Secretary acknowledged the demands of public service, stressing that his appointment offered him an opportunity to contribute his quota to the progress and wellbeing of Edo State.
“To whom much is given, much is expected. It is just a clarion call for us to be able to contribute our little quota to the welfare of Edo State, based on the opportunity given by His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Obanor also commended the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as his firmness, resilience and determination to remain focused on the objectives of his administration.
He said the governor’s resolve to confront the challenges facing the state and leave a positive mark on its development deserved commendation.
“I want to thank the governor for his firmness and resilience to ensure that, regardless of whatever, he has stayed focused and wanted to put things straight and make a mark,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary acknowledged that the responsibilities ahead would be demanding but expressed optimism that, with divine guidance and grace, he and other officials entrusted with responsibilities would deliver on their mandates.
“It is a clarion call. Everybody knows that it is demanding. We are praying for grace to be able to do the needful by His grace,” he added.
Expressing appreciation for the massive turnout at the Thanksgiving Service, Obanor attributed the show of support to God’s grace and favour.
He described the gathering as humbling, stressing that the large turnout was not a reflection of superiority over others but an indication of divine favour and the willingness of people to respond to a call.
“It is humbling because the Bible says God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble.
“The turnout of the crowd is not because we know it better than others, but because by His grace, favour has found us. And it is one thing to call it; it is another thing for people to respond,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary thanked family members, friends, colleagues, associates and all those who contributed to the success of the Thanksgiving Service, praying that God would richly bless them and grant them safe journeys back to their respective destinations.
He reaffirmed his commitment to making the most of the opportunity entrusted to him, pledging to serve with a renewed sense of responsibility and contribute to the welfare of the people and development of Edo State.
