Monday Okpebholo, Governor of Edo State, has attributed the state’s consistent top ranking on the accountability index to his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management.
According to a statement by Patrick Akhere Ebojele, the governor made this known on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Government House in Benin City.
The delegation, led by ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya, introduced the institute’s incoming president, Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, who hails from Edo State.
Welcoming the team, Governor Okpebholo expressed appreciation for the visit and highlighted his long-standing interest in the accounting profession. He noted the synergy between accounting and his background in ICT, describing both fields as requiring accuracy, discipline, and integrity.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to engage qualified professionals, particularly chartered accountants, in managing the state’s finances. He explained that his decision to retain key financial officers upon assuming office was based on their competence and track record.
“I believe in keeping people with proven integrity. Your profession does not allow room for misconduct, and that is critical in governance,” he said, adding that the state would consider recruiting more accountants to further strengthen its financial systems.
He also congratulated the incoming ICAN president and assured her of the state government’s support.
Earlier, Yahya said the visit formed part of ICAN’s ongoing stakeholder engagement across the country. He described the institute as one of Africa’s leading professional bodies, committed to promoting accountability and integrity.
He commended the Edo State Government for its financial discipline, noting that the state has consistently ranked at the top of ICAN’s accountability index over the past five years. Yahya also invited the governor to the institute’s upcoming investiture ceremony scheduled for June 2, as well as its annual accountants’ conference, where he is expected to serve as a special guest speaker.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo also received the management of the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, led by its Chief Medical Director, Reuben Agbons Eifediyi, alongside representatives of the Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Foundation. The team briefed the governor on plans for the foundation’s official launch in October in Abuja and invited him to attend.
The governor further hosted leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako East Local Government Area, led by Musa Sule, as well as the new Edo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Adedofun Fasirea, and his team.
Similarly, leaders of the Igbo community in the state, led by Samson Awiaka, paid a courtesy visit to the governor. In response, Okpebholo assured them of greater inclusion in governance, pledging to appoint both a commissioner and a special adviser from the community—an unprecedented move in the state.
Top government officials present at the engagements included Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, and Chief of Staff Yakubu Musa, among others.
