Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly sworn-in governor of Edo State, has made his first key appointments, naming Barrister Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to the State Government (SGG).
The announcement, made on Tuesday, marks a significant step in the governor’s administration following his assumption of office.
In addition to Barrister Ikhilor’s appointment, former federal lawmaker Dr. Samson Osagie has been nominated as the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, while Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole has been tapped to serve as the Health Commissioner. Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, the son of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole, is a prominent figure in the state’s healthcare sector and the current Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly.
The appointments were disclosed in a press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Fred Itua. The statement also indicated that the nominations of Dr. Osagie and Dr. Oshiomhole will be forwarded to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation.
Profile of Key Appointees
Dr. Samson Osagie, the nominee for Attorney-General, is a seasoned legal practitioner who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1995. Born on November 11, 1967, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, Osagie has held various legislative roles, including two terms in the Edo State House of Assembly and a position as Minority Whip in the House of Representatives. He is also the current Vice President of the African Bar Association (West African Region) and has an extensive academic background, with multiple Master’s degrees and a Doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies.
Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole brings a wealth of education and experience to his new role as Health Commissioner. His academic qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Ahmadu Bello University, a Master’s in Public Health from Tulane University, and specialized training in Clinical Research at Harvard University and Gastroenterology at Queen Mary University, London.
Barrister Musa Ikhilor Appointed SGG
Barrister Musa Ikhilor, born on August 6, 1980, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, is another key appointee in the Okpebholo administration. Ikhilor holds an LL.B degree from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and a Master’s degree in Telecommunications Law. With over 11 years of experience in Legislative Drafting, Parliamentary Administration, and Constitutional Law, Ikhilor has worked in various capacities at the National Assembly. He has also served as a Consultant on constitutional reviews and as Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives.
In addition to his legal career, Barrister Ikhilor is the Managing Partner of Springfield Legal Consult and is actively involved in social work through his role as Executive Director of the Amana Legacy Foundation. He is married with children and is known for his dedication to promoting good governance and human rights.
Governor Okpebholo’s appointments reflect his commitment to assembling a diverse and experienced team to drive Edo State’s development agenda. The nominations are set to be reviewed by the Edo State House of Assembly in the coming weeks.
