Adekunbi Ero
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has said that the state’s consistent top ranking on the accountability index reflected his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management.
He stated this when he received the leadership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Government House, Benin City
The delegation, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahaya, paid a courtesy visit to the governor, during which they presented the institute’s incoming president, Hajia Queensley Sofuratu Seghosime, an indigene of Edo State.
Welcoming his guests, Governor Okpebholo expressed delight at hosting the body, noting his long-standing interest in the accounting profession.
He emphasised the close relationship between accounting and his background in ICT, describing both as disciplines that demand precision and integrity.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to engaging qualified professionals, particularly chartered accountants, in managing the state’s finances. He explained that his decision to retain key financial officers upon assumption of office was based on competence and integrity.
“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 his administration would consider employing more accountants to strengthen financial systems in the state.
He congratulated the incoming ICAN president, Hajia Seghosime and assured her of the state government’s full support.
Earlier, Yahaya said the visit was part of ICAN’s tradition of engaging stakeholders across states. He described the institute as a leading professional body in Africa, known for promoting accountability, accuracy, and integrity.
He commended the Edo State Government for its prudent financial management, revealing that the state consistently ranks high on ICAN’s accountability index.
“Edo State has remained at the top based on our independent assessments over the past five years,” he said, while commending and soliciting the governor’s support to maintain the ranking.
Yahaya also formally invited the governor to the investiture ceremony of the incoming president scheduled for June 2, 2026, as well as ICAN’s annual accountants’ conference, where he is expected to serve as a special guest speaker.
He urged the government to employ more chartered accountants, stressing their critical role in ensuring transparency in public finance.
In a related development, Governor Okpebholo received the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, led by its Chief Medical Director, Professor Reuben Agbons Eifediyi alongside representatives of the Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Foundation. The delegation briefed the governor on plans for the foundation’s official launch scheduled for October in Abuja and invited him to participate.
The governor also hosted leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako East Local Government Area, led by Alhaji Musa Sule, as well as the new Edo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Adedotun Fasina, and his team.
Similarly, leaders of the Igbo community in Edo State, led by Sir Samson Awiaka, President-General of the Igbo Community Union, paid a courtesy visit to the governor. In response, Okpebholo assured them of greater inclusion in governance, promising the appointment of both a commissioner and a special adviser from the community, an unprecedented move in the state’s history.
Top government officials present at the engagements included Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor; and Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa, among others.
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