Okpebholo Strengthens Edo Government With Four New Commissioners

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has nominated four individuals for appointment as commissioners in his cabinet.

The nominations were disclosed late Tuesday in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor. The statement noted that the nominees’ names have been forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.

The commissioner-designates are:

1. Dr. Jerry Uwangue, FCISM
   Dr. Uwangue is the Managing Director/CEO of J&G Engineering and Construction Services Ltd. With over two decades of expertise in Engineering, Procurement, Construction, Operations, and Maintenance (EPCOM) within the oil, gas, and power sectors, he is recognized for his role in business growth, innovative fabrication projects, and operational efficiency. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information and Strategy Management (FCISM), he has received the African Leadership Excellence Award and was named an Ambassador of the African Union Agenda 2063 for his contributions to business and local content development.

2. Hon. (Barr.) Kenneth Okoruwa Ihensekhien
   Ihensekhien is an experienced lawyer, politician, and public administrator with an extensive record of service in Edo State. He previously served as Minority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly (1999–2003) and held commissioner roles in Youth & Sports, Energy & Water Resources, and Agriculture & Natural Resources between 2003 and 2008. He also served as Special Adviser on Project Monitoring (2013–2014), Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor (2015), and Principal Private Secretary to the APC National Chairman (2018–2020). He holds degrees in Philosophy, Law, Political Science, and a Ph.D. in International Relations from the University of Benin.

3. Barr. Usenbo Paul Ehigie
   A seasoned legal practitioner with over 20 years of cross-sector experience, Barr. Ehigie has worked as General Manager of Regulatory Compliance at FGR Energy Services, where he developed compliance and risk management frameworks. He also served as a Senior Legislative Aide to the National Assembly, contributing to the research and drafting of more than 25 bills and motions. Currently the Principal Partner of Paul Usenbo & Co., he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK) and an authority in governance, integrity reform, and public finance management.

4. Akhigbe Osi John Sunday
   A respected technocrat and community development advocate, Akhigbe is widely recognized for his dedication to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and civic participation. He has played a significant role in strengthening grassroots engagement and promoting socio-economic growth through community-driven initiatives.

Political analysts view the nominations as a strategic step by Governor Okpebholo to consolidate his administration and enhance the delivery of governance in Edo State.