Edo Tops Accountability Index as Okpebholo Hosts ICAN, Pledges Financial Transparency

 

Benin City, May 5, 2026

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency and prudent financial management, saying the state’s consistent top ranking on the accountability index reflects that focus.

The governor made the remark on Tuesday while receiving the leadership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) at the Government House in Benin City. The delegation was led by ICAN President and Chairman of Council, Haruna N. Yahya, and included the institute’s incoming president, Hajia Queensley Safuratu Seghosime, an Edo indigene.

Welcoming the team, Okpebholo said his background in ICT aligns closely with accounting, as both disciplines require precision and integrity. He reiterated that his government would continue to engage qualified professionals, particularly chartered accountants, in managing state finances.

“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. He added that retaining key financial officers on assumption of office was based on competence and integrity, and disclosed plans to employ more accountants to strengthen financial systems.

ICAN President Yahya commended Edo State for its financial discipline, noting that the state has remained at the top of ICAN’s accountability index for the past five years based on independent assessments. He urged the government to employ more chartered accountants, stressing their role in ensuring transparency in public finance, and formally invited the governor to Seghosime’s investiture on June 2 and to ICAN’s annual conference as a special guest speaker.

In separate engagements, Okpebholo also met with the management of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and representatives of the Rear Admiral Augustus Aikhomu Foundation over its planned October launch in Abuja, as well as APC leaders from Etsako East and the new NYSC Edo State Coordinator. He further assured the Igbo community of greater inclusion, promising to appoint both a commissioner and a special adviser from the community, a first in the state’s history.