Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, yesterday, carried out a minor reshuffle in his cabinet, redeploying the Commissioner for Works, Felix Akhabue, to the Ministry of Water Resources.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor, directed the Permanent Secretary of the ministry to oversee its affairs until a new commissioner is appointed.

The statement read: “The Edo State Government wishes to inform the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the redeployment of the Commissioner for Works, Dr Felix Ehiguese Akhabue, from the Ministry of Works to the Ministry of Water Resources.

“Consequently, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works would take over pending the deployment of a new Commissioner to the ministry. This directive takes immediate effect.”

MEANWHILE, Okpebholo has pledged N2 billion to support infrastructural development at Edo State University, Iyahmo, commending the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, for his sacrifice and commitment to advancing the institution.

Speaking during the inauguration of the Ehi-Agenmonmen Business Administration E-Library and the ground-breaking of a State-of-the-Art Health Centre and an Ultra-modern Fitness Centre at the university, the governor lauded the Vice-Chancellor for his initiative, particularly his decision to donate his first full month’s salary towards the construction of the health centre.

The governor said if the VC can donate his first full month’s salary towards building the State-of-the-Art Health Centre, then the government will have to do much more. Okpebholo thereafter announced a donation of N2 billion, two Toyota Hiace buses, and two CNG buses to the university.

While thanking the VC, Okpebholo noted that such a sacrifice demonstrates dedication to educational development, including a parent, Saliu Lawal, who sponsored the architectural design.

A business magnate and philanthropist, Ehi-Agenmonmen, donated a Business Administration E-Library while Mr. Peter Omoh Dunia, a businessman and Philantropist is funding the Ultra-modern Fitness Centre.
Also speaking at the event, former Governor and founding visitor to Edo State University Iyamho, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, commended the Governor for his commitment to the development of education in the state.

“I thank you, Mr Governor, for increasing the subvention to the university. I initially thought it was N150,000,000 not knowing it was raised to N250,000,000” he said.

Oshiomhole noted that the governor’s support for education has become widely acknowledged, citing interventions across institutions in the state, particularly the revival efforts at Ambrose Alli University.
He further praised Okpebholo for addressing long-standing challenges affecting medical students in Ambrose Ali University, stating that issues that had lingered for years were resolved within weeks of his assumption of office.

“But for Governor Okpebholo, the challenges faced by medical students in Ambrose Alli University, which the system had allowed to persist, were resolved within weeks of his assumption of office,” he added.

The former governor offered prayers for continued success, expressing hope that the administration would sustain efforts to correct past shortcomings.

“May the Almighty God continue to use you to right the wrongs of the past. Your name will be written in gold for resurrecting dreams that were once thought dead,” he said.

Earlier in his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Victor Adetimirin, commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support to the institution, describing his visit as historic and timely.
The Vice-Chancellor noted that the governor’s presence at the event marked his first official visit to the university, despite his busy schedule, a gesture he said is deeply appreciated by the management, staff, and students.

According to him, the university community remains grateful for what he described as a considerate and responsive leadership style demonstrated by the governor.
Recounting his personal experience, the Vice-Chancellor spoke of his first meeting with the governor, stressing his humility, meekness and openness to addressing the needs of the institution.

He disclosed that a request for increased subvention by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing, Prof. Olusegun Akinyinka yielded swift results, noting that within 20 days, the allocation to the university was increased from N100 million to N250 million.

The Governor had earlier in October 2025 increased the monthly subvention to the institution from N100 million to N250 million.

“On February 19, vehicles were also provided to support my official duties,” he added.

The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of the institution, stating that he would not relent until the university attains world-class status.

He also acknowledged the governor’s commitment to infrastructure development, particularly his presence to commission and perform ground-breaking ceremonies for ongoing projects.

He further revealed that the proposed health centre is being supported through donations, noting that he personally contributed his full salary toward its realization.

“Our students and staff deserve the best, and we are determined to complete these projects in record time,” he said.