Edo Tops Accountability Ranking
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has restated his commitment to transparency and proper financial management. He made this known while receiving leaders of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Government House in Benin City.
The ICAN delegation was led by its President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya. The team also introduced the institute’s incoming president, Hajia Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, who is from Edo State.
Edo Tops Accountability Ranking: Okpebholo Speaks on Integrity
Governor Okpebholo praised the accounting profession for its focus on honesty and discipline. He said accounting and ICT both require accuracy and integrity.
The governor said his administration will continue to work with qualified professionals. He added that chartered accountants play an important role in managing public funds.
“I believe in keeping people with proven integrity. Your profession does not allow room for misconduct, and that is critical in governance,” he said.
Edo Tops Accountability Ranking: Plan to Strengthen Financial System
Okpebholo explained that he retained key finance officers because of their competence and good record. He also said the state may employ more accountants to improve its financial system.
The governor congratulated Hajia Seghosime on her emergence as ICAN’s incoming president. He assured her of the Edo State Government’s support.
ICAN Commends Edo State
Earlier, ICAN President Haruna Yahya praised Edo State for its strong record in accountability and financial management.
He said Edo has remained one of the best-performing states on ICAN’s accountability index for the past five years.
“Edo State has remained at the top based on our independent assessments over the past five years,” Yahya said.
He urged the government to continue promoting transparency in public finance. He also advised the state to employ more chartered accountants.
Invitation to ICAN Events
Yahya invited Governor Okpebholo to the investiture ceremony of the incoming ICAN president on June 2.
He also invited the governor to ICAN’s annual accountants’ conference, where he is expected to attend as a special guest speaker.
Edo Tops Accountability Ranking: Governor Receives More Delegations
In another meeting, Governor Okpebholo received the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital. The delegation was led by Chief Medical Director, Professor Reuben Agbons Eifediyi.
Representatives of the Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Foundation also visited the governor. They informed him about plans for the foundation’s launch in Abuja later this year.
The governor also hosted APC leaders from Etsako East, officials of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and leaders of the Igbo community in Edo State.
Promise of Greater Inclusion
During the meeting with the Igbo community, Okpebholo promised greater inclusion in government.
He said the community would get both a commissioner and a special adviser. The move would be the first of its kind in Edo State.
Top officials at the meetings included Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor, and Chief of Staff Hon. Yakubu Musa.
