PRESS RELEASE – NAPVID COMMENDS GOVERNOR MONDAY OKPEBHOLO FOR HISTORIC APPOINTMENT OF MR. MELODY OMOSAH AS PERMANENT SECRETARY

The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) heartily congratulates His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, on his historic decision to appoint Mr. Melody Omosah, Esq., LL.M, AICMC, JP, Director of the Citizens’ Mediation Centre, Edo State Ministry of Justice, and Executive Director of the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), as a Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service.

As the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries are inaugurated today, 17 July 2026, NAPVID joins millions of Edo people in celebrating what is undoubtedly one of the most significant milestones in the history of public service in the State. By this singular appointment, Governor Okpebholo has become the first Governor of Edo State to appoint a qualified person with disability to the exalted office of Permanent Secretary, thereby breaking a barrier that had existed since the creation of the State and reaffirming that excellence, competence, integrity and character—not disability—remain the true qualifications for leadership.

This landmark appointment is not merely a personal achievement for Mr. Omosah. It is a defining victory for merit, equity and inclusive governance. It sends an unmistakable message that under the present administration, disability is not a limitation where competence has been demonstrated, and that every qualified Edo citizen can aspire to the highest levels of public service.

NAPVID particularly commends His Excellency because this appointment is not an isolated gesture, but another clear demonstration of his administration’s deliberate commitment to building an inclusive Edo State. On 26 March 2025, Governor Okpebholo inaugurated the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Commission to drive the implementation of the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Law, 2022, thereby laying a strong institutional foundation for disability inclusion. Again, on 5 December 2025, the Governor approved the appointment of a qualified lawyer with physical disability as a State Counsel in the Edo State Ministry of Justice, further demonstrating his resolve that persons with disabilities should enjoy equal opportunities in public service.

The appointment of Mr. Melody Omosah as Permanent Secretary therefore represents another important milestone in this commendable journey of inclusion. It confirms that the administration’s commitment extends beyond policy declarations to concrete actions that are transforming lives and opening doors that were once considered inaccessible.

Mr. Omosah’s appointment is richly deserved. Over the course of his distinguished public service career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional administrative ability, sound judgment, integrity, professionalism and visionary leadership. As Director of the Citizens’ Mediation Centre, he has contributed significantly to expanding access to justice through alternative dispute resolution, while as Executive Director of NAPVID he has championed the rights, empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities, earning respect nationally for his advocacy and public service.

His elevation to the office of Permanent Secretary affirms the timeless truth that disability neither diminishes competence nor limits leadership. Rather, it demonstrates that with equal opportunity, persons with disabilities can perform with distinction at the highest levels of governance and public administration.

For thousands of persons with disabilities across Edo State, this appointment represents something much greater than the promotion of one individual. It restores hope. It inspires confidence. It validates years of perseverance. It assures parents of children with disabilities that their children can aspire to positions of leadership. It encourages young persons with disabilities to pursue education, excellence and public service with renewed determination, knowing that under the present administration, merit has a place above prejudice.

Governor Okpebholo has therefore written an important chapter in the history of Edo State by proving that inclusive governance is not merely an aspiration but a practical reality. His decision has given meaningful expression to the principles of equality, fairness and non-discrimination embodied in the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Law, 2022, and has established a precedent that future generations will remember with pride.

NAPVID expresses its profound appreciation to His Excellency for this bold, visionary and history-making decision. We are confident that this appointment will strengthen public confidence in the State Civil Service and encourage many more qualified persons with disabilities to offer themselves for leadership and public service.

We equally congratulate all the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries who are being inaugurated today and wish them wisdom, courage and outstanding success as they partner with His Excellency in advancing the development and prosperity of Edo State.

As an organisation committed to promoting the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities, NAPVID looks forward to continued collaboration with the Edo State Government in building a society where opportunity is determined by ability, integrity and merit—not by disability.

This historic appointment, is a watershed moment in the history of inclusive governance in Edo State. It has rekindled hope within the disability community and reaffirmed the enduring truth that inclusive leadership benefits everyone. Governor Monday Okpebholo has demonstrated that when barriers are removed and opportunities are opened, society is enriched by the talents and contributions of all its citizens.

Signed:
Mr. Kingsley Okojie
Head, Media & Advocacy

Mr. Isaac Noble Israel
Manager, Programmes & Strategy

Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID)
Benin City, Edo State.
17th July 2026.