Edo disability community hail Okpebholo for Historic Appointment of First Permanent Secretary with Disability

Benin, Edo – The disability community in Edo State has applauded Governor Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to inclusive governance following the appointment of Barrister Melody Ismaila Omosah as a Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service.

Omosah, who was previously a director in the state’s Ministry of Justice, is among 20 newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

He is the first person with a disability to be elevated to the position in the state.

In a statement, the Edo State chapter of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAPWD) described the appointment as a “landmark” and a significant milestone in promoting equal opportunities.

Signed by Chairperson Comrade Ann Obehi Ojugo and Secretary Ibrahim Momoh, the statement read: “We warmly congratulate His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, on the historic appointment of Barr. Melody Ismaila Omosah as a Permanent Secretary. This is a clear demonstration of Governor Okpebholo’s commitment to inclusive governance.”

JONAPWD also commended Omosah and wished him a successful tenure. The group highlighted the governor’s support for persons with disabilities since assuming office, citing the establishment of the Edo State Disability Commission and assistance for the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

While appreciating these efforts, JONAPWD called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance and decision-making processes, as well as the full implementation of the Edo State Disability Law to ensure equal rights, accessibility, and opportunities.

“This appointment gives renewed hope that Edo State is advancing towards a more inclusive society where ability, competence, and merit are the basis for service,” the statement added.

Edo JONAPWD full statement: “I warmly congratulate His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, on the historic appointment of Barr. Melody Ismaila Omosah as a Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service. This landmark appointment of the first Permanent Secretary with a disability in Edo State is a significant milestone and a clear demonstration of Governor Okpebholo's commitment to inclusive governance and equal opportunities for all.

“We also congratulate Barr. Omosah on this well-deserved recognition and wish him a successful and impactful tenure.

“Since assuming office, Governor Monday Okpebholo has continued to demonstrate support for the disability community through initiatives such as the establishment of the Edo State Disability Commission and the support provided for the successful commemoration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, among other interventions.

“While appreciating these strides, we respectfully call for even greater inclusion of and partnership with all persons with disabilities in the state through JONAPWD in governance, public service, and decision-making processes, as well as the full implementation of the Edo State Disability Law to guarantee equal rights, accessibility, and opportunities for all.

“This appointment gives renewed hope that Edo State is advancing towards a more inclusive society where ability, competence, and merit are the basis for service.”

Similarly, the Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) expressed strong appreciation to Okpebholo for the appointment.

In a statement signed by NAPVID’s Board of Trustees chairman, Justice Peter O. Isibor (Rtd), the organization noted that the appointment sends a powerful message that leadership is determined by ability, character, and service, not by disability.

“It is a historic milestone that inspires hope among thousands of persons with disabilities that they can attain positions of leadership when given equal opportunities,” the statement noted. “It is a practical affirmation of the principles in the Edo State Persons with Disability Law.”

NAPVID pledged continued support for Governor Okpebholo’s vision of building an inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Edo State.

The full NAPVID statement reads: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, management, staff, members, and the entire Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), I write to express our profound appreciation to Your Excellency for the appointment of our Executive Director, Melody Omosah, as a Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service.

“This appointment is not only a recognition of Omosah's competence, integrity, and years of dedicated public service, but also a bold demonstration of your administration's commitment to equity, merit, and inclusive governance. By entrusting a qualified person with a disability with one of the highest administrative offices in the State Civil Service, Your Excellency has sent a powerful message that leadership and excellence are determined by ability, character, and service, not by disability.

“For the disability community in Edo State and beyond, this appointment represents a historic milestone. It inspires hope among thousands of persons with disabilities, especially young people, that they can aspire to and attain positions of leadership and influence when given equal opportunities. It is a practical affirmation of the principles enshrined in the Edo State Persons with Disability Law and the broader commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the development of our dear State.

“Your Excellency's decision further reinforces your reputation as a true champion of disability inclusion. Under your leadership, Edo State continues to demonstrate that inclusive governance is not merely a policy aspiration but a reality reflected in appointments, representation, and equal opportunities for all citizens. This landmark appointment will undoubtedly serve as a reference point for other states and institutions seeking to promote meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in public service.

The statement also made available to DAILY South Nigeria further stated: “As an organization committed to advancing the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities, we are deeply encouraged by this gesture and remain committed to supporting your administration's vision of building a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous Edo State.

“Once again, we sincerely thank Your Excellency for this historic and commendable decision. We pray that God grants you continued wisdom, strength, and good health as you lead Edo State to greater heights.”

The appointment has been widely viewed as a positive step toward mainstreaming persons with disabilities in public service in the state.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​