Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday attributed the state’s sustained top position on the accountability index to his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management.

Speaking at the Government House in Benin City while receiving a delegation from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the governor said discipline in public finance remains central to his governance approach.

The ICAN delegation, led by its President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya, introduced the institute’s incoming president, Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, an indigene of Edo State.

Okpebholo expressed satisfaction at hosting the professional body, noting his affinity for the accounting profession. He drew parallels between accounting and his background in ICT, describing both fields as requiring precision, accountability, and integrity.

Reaffirming his administration’s policy direction, the governor said qualified professionals, particularly chartered accountants, would continue to play a key role in managing the state’s finances. He added that the retention of key financial officers upon assumption of office was guided by 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, indicating that more accountants may be engaged to further strengthen Edo’s financial systems.

He congratulated Seghosime on her emergence and pledged the state government’s support during her tenure.

Earlier, Yahya said the visit formed part of ICAN’s nationwide stakeholder engagement. He described the institute as a leading professional body committed to promoting accountability and ethical standards in financial management.

He commended the Edo State Government’s fiscal discipline, disclosing that the state has consistently ranked at the top of 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 sustained collaboration to maintain the standard.

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

In a separate engagement, the governor 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 team briefed him on plans for the foundation’s official launch in October in Abuja.

Other visitors included leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako East Local Government Area, led by Alhaji Musa Sule; the new Edo State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr. Adedofun Fasirea; and leaders of the Igbo community in the state under the leadership of Sir Samson Awiaka.

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

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

— Report filed from Government House, Benin City