By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has transmitted the names of four new Commissioners-designate to the State House of Assembly for screening and confirmation.
This was contained in a government’s special release endorsed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., dated September 25, 2025.
He listed the nominees as: Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele, Hon. Christopher Ewere Okaeben, and Hon. Festus Odianosen Ebea, JP.
PROFILE OF THE NOMINEES
Dr. Elizabeth Ebosele
Dr. Elizabeth Onome Ebosele is a development economist, public policy expert, and humanitarian with strong credentials in budgeting, planning, and governance. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Benin and has served as Technical Adviser on Budget & National Planning at the Federal level. She was a member of the Technical Working Group on “Cross-cutting Issues (Employment, Gender and People with Special Needs)” for the Medium-Term National Development Plan (2021–2025). Dr. Ebosele has experience in project planning and financing, renewable energy transitions, ICT, and grassroots development, and is widely respected for her commitment to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive governance.
Hon. Christopher Ewere Okaeben
Hon. Christopher Okaeben is a seasoned politician, public servant, and legislator from Edo State. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Banking and Finance from the University of Benin. He has held several key public offices including Supervisory Councillor (Works & Transport) in Oredo Local Government, Senior Special Assistant on Youth Employment, Secretary to Oredo Council, Executive Director of the Edo State Petroleum Monitoring Committee, and Commissioner for Youth & Sports. From 2015 to 2023, he represented Oredo West Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly where he chaired key committees including Health, Women’s Affairs, Energy & Water Resources. He is also a businessman and community development advocate.
Hon. Festus Odianosen Ebea, JP
Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea is a respected legislator, political leader, and former Deputy Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly. He represented Esan South East Constituency where he championed grassroots development and legislative reforms. He is the recipient of the traditional title Obarisiagbon of Ubiaja and has been active in Edo politics for over a decade, contributing to policy debates and governance advocacy. A Justice of the Peace (JP) and community mobiliser, Hon. Ebea is known for his commitment to inclusive governance, youth empowerment, and strengthening democratic processes in Edo State.
