Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki at the weekend commended the late Pa. Joseph Imoukhuede who was the first Secretary to the Government and Head of Midwest Civil Service for his legacies and contributions to national development.

Obaseki, who was represented by the Acting Governor, Philip Shaibu, said Imoukhuede’s legacies would forever be remembered in the history of the state’s civil service and the defunct Midwest region.

Other speakers at the inaugural annual memorial lecture in Benin City are, Executive Vice Chairman, Ibadan School of Government and Public Policy, Professor Tunji Olaopa.

Olaopa said Imoukhuede was one of the most significant administrative figures in Nigeria, whose life and career testify to the coincidence of historical, administrative and personal dynamics.

According to him, Imoukhuede stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in a period that marked what has been described as the golden era of public service in the country.

He noted that Imoukhuede, then a young, energetic and professionally-minded Nigerian, forced the colonial administrators to recognise him as the right person for the position through persistence, hard work and professionalism.

“It was his work ethic that gave further impetus to his educational and administrative careers. By 1939, he was awarded an undergraduate scholarship, which he was only able to receive at the end of the Second World War in 1946.” Olaopo said.

Imoukhuede, who hails from Sabongida Ora in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State was born on April 25, 1921 and died April 27, 1989.
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