Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, shortly after his inauguration, announced several key appointments to his administration, signaling his commitment to a strong and diverse leadership team. Among these appointments, he named lawyer Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). Ikhilor brings over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking processes, constitutional drafting, and legislative governance. His expertise stems from various roles he has held at the National Assembly, making him well-suited for this pivotal role.
Governor Okpebholo also nominated Samson Osagie as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. Osagie, a seasoned legal practitioner, has been active in the legal field since his call to the Nigerian Bar on March 22, 1995. Currently, he serves as Vice President of the African Bar Association for the West African Region. His background includes two terms as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly and a tenure in the House of Representatives, where he rose to the role of Minority Whip. His extensive experience in both legislative and legal frameworks is expected to enhance the state’s legal machinery.
In a noteworthy nomination, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, the son of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has been appointed Commissioner for Health. Dr. Oshiomhole’s qualifications are robust; his early education began at St. Anne’s Primary School and Command Secondary School, followed by his pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He furthered his studies in the United States at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, where he earned a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) with a specialization in Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management. Dr. Oshiomhole also pursued postgraduate training in Clinical Research at Harvard University and studied Gastroenterology at Queen Mary University in London.
The appointments of Osagie and Dr. Oshiomhole are subject to confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly, which will be the final step before they assume their respective roles. Governor Okpebholo’s early appointments underscore his administration’s commitment to a blend of seasoned professionals and fresh expertise aimed at propelling Edo State forward.
