Prince Richard Eweka of The Nigerian Observer newspaper, a dedicated journalist in the Government House Press Unit, emerged as a standout figure during the 2024 Staff of the Year Awards ceremony held at the New Festival Hall, Government House, Benin City.
Eweka was recognised for his exceptional commitment and diligence in reporting the daily activities of Governor Monday Okpebholo, helping to inform Edo people, Nigerians, and the wider world of the administration’s achievements since November 2024.
At the event, Governor Okpebholo, represented by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, Hon. Uyi Ekhosuehi, urged all civil servants to sustain efficient service delivery and continue contributing meaningfully to the state’s growth and development.
He acknowledged the vital role of the workers, commending their dedication, determination, and efforts, which, he said, had greatly aided his administration’s success.
While affirming that all workers across Edo State deserved recognition, the governor explained that a few had distinguished themselves and were honoured with the 2024 awards.
He encouraged those not recognised this year to remain steadfast in their duties, assuring them that future editions would present further opportunities for recognition.
Governor Okpebholo reminded the awardees that their new status called for even greater responsibility and urged every civil servant to remain committed to the vision of building a better Edo State.
The Permanent Secretary of the Government House and Protocol, Edith Sede, also lauded Governor Okpebholo for his workers-friendly policies and the enabling environment created for civil servants to thrive.
She commended all the award recipients and encouraged other staff members to keep working hard, assuring them that their efforts would be duly rewarded.
Among other notable awardees, Mr Jimoh Akande was recognised for his excellent coordination of the media unit, ensuring that the activities of the governor were well publicised.
Mr Jeremiah Ehiobo Igberase from the Accounts Section was named the overall best staff of the directorate for 2024. Idemudia Sylvester Akhanugboba and Orobor Osasumwen were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
Additional honours went to long-serving and outstanding staff members across various departments, including the Catering Section, Government House Clinic, Protocol Department, Governor’s Secretariat, Office of the First Lady, Works Section, and the Transport Pool.
The ceremony celebrated not just individual excellence but a collective commitment to service that Governor Okpebholo said would help drive Edo State towards a greater future.
