NAPVID Hails Governor Okpebholo Over Historic Appointment of Person with Disability as Permanent Secretary

The Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID) has commended the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what it described as a landmark step in advancing inclusive governance with the appointment of Mr. Melody Omosah, Esq., LL.M, AICMC, JP, as a Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Civil Service.

In a statement by Mr. Kingsley Okojie, Head, Media & Advocacy, and Mr. Isaac Noble Israel, Manager, Programmes & Strategy, Network for the Advancement of People with Visible Disabilities (NAPVID), Benin City, Edo State, the organisation described the appointment as a watershed moment in the history of Edo State, noting that Governor Okpebholo has become the first governor of the state to appoint a qualified person with disability to the prestigious office of Permanent Secretary.

NAPVID said the appointment of Mr.Melody Omosah, who currently serves as Director of the Citizens' Mediation Centre in the Edo State Ministry of Justice and Executive Director of NAPVID, represents a triumph of merit, competence and inclusive leadership.

According to the organisation, "This historic appointment is not merely a personal achievement for Mr. Melody 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."

The disability rights advocacy group noted that the governor's action has broken a longstanding barrier in the state's public service while reinforcing the principle that excellence, integrity and character, rather than disability, should determine eligibility for leadership positions.

NAPVID further observed that the appointment aligns with the administration's growing record of promoting disability inclusion through deliberate policy actions and institutional reforms.

The statement recalled that Governor Okpebholo inaugurated the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Commission on March 26, 2025, to facilitate the implementation of the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Law, 2022. 

It also noted that on December 5, 2025, the governor approved the appointment of a qualified lawyer with physical disability as a State Counsel in the Edo State Ministry of Justice.

According to the organisation, "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."

NAPVID described Omosah as an accomplished public servant whose career has been distinguished by professionalism, integrity, administrative excellence and visionary leadership.

The organisation stated that through his leadership of the Citizens' Mediation Centre, Omosah has expanded access to justice using alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, while his work with NAPVID has significantly advanced advocacy for the rights, empowerment and social inclusion of persons with disabilities across Nigeria.

It added that his elevation to the rank of Permanent Secretary demonstrates that disability does not diminish competence or leadership capacity.

"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 and assures parents that their children with disabilities can aspire to positions of leadership," the statement said.

The organisation further described the governor's decision as a practical demonstration of the principles of equality, fairness and non-discrimination enshrined in the Edo State Persons with Disabilities Law, 2022, adding that it has set a precedent that future generations will remember with pride.

NAPVID expressed profound appreciation to Governor Okpebholo for what it termed a bold, visionary and history-making decision, expressing confidence that the appointment would strengthen public confidence in the Edo State Civil Service and encourage more qualified persons with disabilities to pursue leadership positions in public service.

The organisation also congratulated all the newly inaugurated Permanent Secretaries and wished them wisdom, courage and success as they work with the governor to advance the development of Edo State.

Reaffirming its commitment to promoting the rights, dignity and inclusion of persons with disabilities, NAPVID pledged continued collaboration with the Edo State Government in building a society where opportunities are determined by merit, competence and integrity rather than disability.

The organisation concluded that Governor Okpebholo's decision has rekindled hope within the disability community and stands as a defining milestone in the journey towards a more inclusive Edo State, where every citizen is empowered to contribute meaningfully to governance and development.

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