Benin, Edo – In a resounding endorsement of his decades-long contributions to public service and media excellence, Prince Kassim Afegbua has been hailed as a "square peg in a square hole" following his swearing-in as Edo State's Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

The commendation came from APC chieftain Comrade Haruna Braimoh in a heartfelt public message, underscoring Afegbua's pivotal role in bridging government and the governed through effective "information spread."

Afegbua, a seasoned journalist and former Commissioner for Information under ex-Governor Adams Oshiomhole, was among 19 new commissioners sworn in by Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo on Tuesday, at the Government House in Benin City.

The ceremony marked a significant expansion of the state's executive council, now totaling 28 ministries, and highlighted Okpebholo's commitment to merit-based appointments aimed at driving "practical governance" and sustainable development.

Braimoh's congratulatory letter, sighted by Daily South Nigeria opened with a poignant quote from media advocate Christophe Deloire: "None of the main issues which humanity is facing will be resolved without access to information."

He praised Afegbua for "bestrolling the social, political, and governance landscape dexterously" over two decades, rendering "the best of service" in an arena crucial for fostering communication and understanding between leaders and citizens.

"Therefore, one is not surprised that His Excellency Governor Monday Okpebholo searched diligently in the last 11 months for an astute professional in government information strategic management to fill the obvious lacuna that hitherto existed in the all-important practical governance administration," Braimoh wrote.

Describing Afegbua as a "boss, role model, and modern inspiration to many including my humble self," Braimoh extended warm congratulations on the "well-deserved call to service" under Okpebholo's "uncommon able leadership."

He expressed anticipation for "necessary synergies in strategies between digital information management and the mainstream media," concluding with a second round of cheers, "Congratulations again, Boss."

The appointment fills a critical gap in strategic communication, as noted in recent reports, with Afegbua's journalistic acumen expected to strengthen media relations and public engagement.

Nominated in August 2025 alongside Ohimai Ehijimetor, Eugenia Abdallah, and Hon. Godwin Afekokhe Eshieshi, Afegbua's confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly was swift, reflecting bipartisan confidence in his expertise.

Governor Okpebholo, during the swearing-in attended by Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Attorney-General of the Federation Chief Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), and other dignitaries, charged the appointees with delivering tangible results free from corruption.

"Your nominations did not come as a reward or patronage, but as a call to serve the people of Edo State," he emphasized.

He reiterated the administration's focus on service over propaganda, urging loyalty to Edo's citizens: "History will judge us not by our intentions, but by our actions."

Other notable appointees include Hon. (Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue (Ministry of Works), Hon. Andrew Ijegbai (Ministry of Mining), Omoh Anabor (Ministry of Business, Trade, and Investment), and a reassigned Hon. Paul Ohonbamu (from Information to Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs).

The event also inaugurated chairmen and members of key boards, such as the Edo State Bursary and Scholarship Board, Senior Secondary Education Board, Law Reform Commission, Lottery Regulatory Commission, and Ecological Funding and Management Commission.

Speaking on behalf of the new executives, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu pledged unwavering commitment to Okpebholo's developmental agenda, assuring alignment with his vision for repositioning Edo for growth.

Amid further cabinet adjustments, Attorney-General Samson Osagie was replaced with Prof. Roland Otaru— who was also sworn-in lauded as a strategic infusion of fresh energy.

Afegbua's return to the information portfolio, where he previously excelled, is seen as a masterstroke for enhancing transparency and digital innovation in governance.

As Braimoh aptly captured, Afegbua's leadership promises to amplify access to information, resolving key challenges in true "square peg" fashion.