Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Wednesday, signed two significant bills into law, marking a new phase in the state’s judiciary and oil sectors.
The first bill raises the retirement age for magistrates in the state from 60 to 65 years.
The second bill increases the number of members of the state’s oil agency.
The governor also approved employing 500 new teachers to boost the number of tutors in public schools in the State.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, the retirement age increment aimed at enhancing the efficiency and experience of the judiciary by allowing seasoned magistrates to serve longer, thereby improving the administration of justice in the state.
The expansion aimed to enhance the oil agency’s governance, representation, and operational efficiency while ensuring better management of the state’s oil resources to promote economic growth.
At the signing ceremony, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions that drove justice and economic development.
He added, “I emphasise that these legislative actions align with the state’s vision of enhancing judicial integrity and optimising the benefits of its natural resources for the people of Edo State.
“The newly-signed bills are expected to take immediate effect, with relevant stakeholders expressing optimism about their potential impacts on governance and service delivery in the state.”
On the employment of 500 teachers, the Commissioner for Education, Dr Emmanuel Iyamu, on his assumption of duty at the Ministry of Education, said the recruitment would be done in tranches.
The commissioner said the recruitment was meant to fill vacancies in public schools in the state’s three senatorial districts.
“We are excited to let Edo people know that Governor Monday Okpebholo is a man who keeps to his words.
“He has approved for 500 teachers to be recruited into the education sector. This recruitment exercise will be in tranches and this is the first of teachers to be employed.
“This move is to ensure that the average Edo child gets the best in terms of education, even as we drive infrastructural development in the state,” he said.