EDO RANKS TOP IN ACCOUNTABILITY INDEX AS OKPEBHOLO HOSTS ICAN LEADERSHIP

Governor Monday Okpebholo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management, following Edo State’s consistent top ranking on the accountability index.

The governor made this known on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria at Government House, Benin City.

The delegation, led by ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya, presented the institute’s incoming president, Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, who hails from Edo State.

Welcoming the team, Governor Okpebholo expressed his longstanding interest in the accounting profession, noting its alignment with his background in ICT. He described both fields as disciplines that require precision and integrity.

He emphasized his administration’s deliberate effort to engage competent professionals, particularly chartered accountants, in managing the state’s finances. According to him, the retention of key financial officers after assuming office was based on proven 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,” the governor said, adding that more accountants may be engaged to strengthen financial systems in the state.

Okpebholo also congratulated the incoming ICAN president and assured her of the state government’s support.

Earlier, Yahya said the visit was part of ICAN’s stakeholder engagement across states, describing the institute as a leading professional body in Africa committed to promoting accountability, accuracy, and integrity.

He commended the Edo State Government’s financial management, noting that the state has consistently ranked top on ICAN’s accountability index over the past five years.

“Edo State has remained at the top based on our independent assessments,” he said, while urging the governor to sustain the performance.

Yahya also invited the governor to the investiture ceremony of the incoming ICAN president scheduled for June 2, as well as the institute’s annual accountants’ conference, where he is expected to serve as a special guest speaker.

In a related development, Governor Okpebholo received the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, led by its Chief Medical Director, Reuben Agbons Eifediyi, alongside representatives of the Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Foundation. The delegation briefed him on plans for the foundation’s official launch in October in Abuja.

The governor also hosted leaders of the All Progressives Congress in Etsako East Local Government Area, officials of the National Youth Service Corps led by Adedofun Fasirea, as well as leaders of the Igbo community in Edo State led by Samson Awiaka.

Addressing the Igbo community delegation, the governor assured them of greater inclusion in governance, promising the appointment of both a commissioner and a special adviser from the community.

Top government officials present included Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, and Chief of Staff Yakubu Musa, among others.