Gender balance necessary in Commissioner nomination – Edo Speaker to Gov Okpebholo
The Edo House of Assembly on Wednesday, frowned at the alleged gender imbalance in the appointment of Commissioners into the State Executive Council.
DAILY POST reports that Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku made the observation during the confirmation of eight commissioner-nominees as members of the State Executive Council.
Agbebaku, who said out of the eight nominees only one is a woman, promised to discuss the issue with the governor on the need to include more women.
The only female among the eight nominees is Eugenia Abdallah.
He, however, urged the commissioners confirmed in a voice vote to accord the Assembly the respect it deserves and work in synergy to ensure that the governor succeeded.
Those confirmed are Prince Kassim Afegbua, Godwin Eshieshi, Ohimai Ehijimetor, and Eugenia Abdallah.
Others are Barrister Nosa Adams, Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, Felix Akhabue, and Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa.
They were confirmed following the screening by the House Committee on Rules and Business, headed by the Majority Leader, Jonathan Aigbokhan.
Aigbokhan said the nominees are competent, experienced, and professionally qualified for the state assignment.
He said they were confirmed having been found to be eligible as commissioners.
The State Governor, Monday Okpebholo had on Monday, August 18, 2025 sent a letter to the House requesting it to screen and confirm the nominees as commissioners in the state.
DAILY POST reports that the confirmation of the eight nominees would bring the numbers of commissioners so far appointed by the Governor since assumption of office on November 12, 2024 to 17.
Out of the 17 commissioners only two are females, namely Bisi Idaomi, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development.
The commissioners so far appointed with their portfolios are Dr Paddy Iyamu, Education; Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, Health; Dr Samson Osagie, Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice; Dr Washington Osifo, Water Resources and Energy; Bisi Idaomi, Women Affairs and Social Development; Hon Paul Ohonbamu, Information and Communication.
Others are Lucky Eseigbe, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Andrew Ijegbai, Mining, Oil and Gas, and Emmanuel
Gender balance necessary in Commissioner nomination – Edo Speaker to Gov Okpebholo
