Oshiomhole Appoints Ihonvbere, Obahiagbon as SSG, Chief of Staff

Prof. Julius Ihonvbere

Seventy-two hours after his inauguration for a second term in office, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State yesterday appointed the former Special Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Project Monitoring and Implementation, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, as the new Secretary to State Government (SSG). He replaces Dr. Simon Imuekemhe.

Also appointed was a one-time member representing Oredo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, and two-time member of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, as new Chief of Staff (COS), replacing Mr. Osarodion Ogie.

A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the governor, Mr. Peter Okhiria, said Mr. Godwin Obaseki, retained his position as the Chairman, Economic Team, while Ogie is the vice-chairman of the team.

Also appointed is Mr. Stephen Idehenre, who assumes office as the new Deputy Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, replacing Mr. John Odigie Ejale.

Meanwhile, Okhiria retained his position as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) while Princess Theresa Erediauwa also retained her position as the Executive Director, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) just as Yakubu Aliyu is the governor’s new Principal Private Secretary.

Born in June 1956, Ihonvbere, who holds a PhD in Political Economy from the University of Toronto, is also a Professor of Political Science. He holds a national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

According to the statement, the swearing-in of the SSG and others will hold today at the Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City by 10 a.m.