By DADA AYOKHAI
The essence of appointing commissioners is basically to assist the governor, as the Chief Executive Officer of the state in ensuring the ease of administration and service delivery. The governor in the course of seeking votes may have made pledges and it, therefore, behoves them to help their principal fulfil the campaign promises made, especially as it concerns service delivery and good governance
The appointment of commissioners was one of the immediate tasks executed by Gov Monday Okpebolo on assuming office. He headhunted those he felt could help him actualise his dream of making the state great, as aptly captured by the metaphor: “Edo is shining”
One of the beneficiaries of the governor’s extensive search for competent hands was Hon Eugenia Abdallah.
Her name was among those sent to the state assembly for screening and ratification
Interestingly, the list of Edo State commissioners can be broken down into two broad categories: single portfolio and double portfolio commissioners
An example of a “single commissioner” is the Commissioner of Health, while that of a”double commissioner” is the Commissioner of Works and Housing or the Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning.
This latter group, that is the “double portfolio commissioners oversee more than one Ministry. As the title implies, they shoulder the bulk of the work involved in service delivery and good governance and can easily get lost in the crowd
Whether a single or double portfolio commissioner, it is instructive to note that they are solely accountable to first, the governor who appointed them, and second, to the people when it comes to matters bordering on performance(s)
The challenge with the “double portfolio” is that the assigned commissioner may easily forget his or her double role and lose track. For instance, a commissioner may concentrate on one Ministry and neglect the other.
To throw more light on this postulation, a commissioner of Works and housing may, for instance, focus only on roads while neglecting the housing needs of the people
In the case of Hon Abdallah, she has proven to be an exception. The deft and zeal she has brought to bear on the discharge of her duties shows that she has mastered the rope and also proven that the wear and tear or, *the lost in the crowd” theory associated with discharging a “double portfolio” does not apply to her
As one who understands the weight of public expectations, Hon Abdallah, the Edo State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development is doing a fantastic job, even with two powerful and sensitive portfolios under her watch
Most fascinating to observers is the speed with which she hit the ground running. Surprisingly, the speed has not made her falter. Instead, she continues to push on, acutely aware of the huge weight of public expectations on her shoulders
Observers have labelled the petite lady “a workaholic and performer” due to her consistency, innovative approach to tackling gender related issues as well as amiability in dealing with people
Even some harsh critics of her Ministry activities have described her as a “working demon”, in relation to the ease and speed she brings to bear on the job.
According to others, her excellent performance is proof that “double portfolio” is not tantamount to “double punishment”.
Another interesting trait about the commissioner is her professionalism which is evident in the way and manner she handles the affairs of the Ministry. But in so doing, Hon Abdallah infuses some element of humanity to make sure that the processes and policies get a buy-in from the people it was meant to serve.
Hon Abdallah is a “brilliant mind”. She possesses the Midas touch and that is why her Ministry is one of those seen by the Edo public as “working” as well as delivering on the governor’s vision.
It is no wonder that she is rated as one of the star performers in the Gov Okpebolo cabinet. Her public profile is also on the upward swing. Even her actions lend credence to the public adoration she continues to garner.
On a closer observation, it is important to stress that Hon Abdallah’s affection for the people she is serving is legendary; it is evident in the well- thought our and life- impacting policies and programmes rolled out by her Ministry. It must, however, be added that these actions and policies break gender barriers – ensuring she can serve the public more broadly and dutifully, of course, without dancing or pandering to any particular gender
Hon Abdallah has so far distinguished herself. Doubters may not agree, but the records are there to show for anyone willing to take the pains to research. Indeed, her capacity to excel is second to none. as a
Governor Okpebolo, indeed, hit the bullseye by appointing her for the job.
To her credit, she does not discriminate. She is ever ready to appeal to every sensibility and every gender.
This was aptly demonstrated when her Ministry felicitated with the menfolk on Father’s Day. Her Ministry was also prompt in releasing a statement to mark World Mental Health Day.
In line with the popular saying that “a family’s well-being starts at home”, the statement released by her Ministry emphasised the crucial role fathers play, stressing that a happy father contributes to a happy family
In the same vein, her Ministry intensified public enlightenment on the child adoption process and has equally been active in the fight against child and drug abuse
