Governance
Governor Okpebholo Appoints New SSG, Attorney-General, and Health Commissioner
By Iyojo Ameh
Following his swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Governor Okpebholo of Edo State officially announced the appointment of three key officials on Monday. The new appointees include Barr.
The nominations of Hon. Samson Osagie and Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole are pending confirmation by the Edo State House of Assembly. Governor Okpebholo is expected to forward their names to the Assembly for approval in the near future.
The announcements were detailed in a press release signed by Mr.
Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor Appointed as SSG
Born on August 6, 1980, at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Barr. Musa U. Ikhilor brings over 11 years of extensive experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking procedures, constitutional drafting and amendment, and legislative governance. He holds an LL.B from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (2008), a B.L. from the Nigerian Law School (2009), and an LL.M in Telecommunications Law from the same university (2017).
Barr. Ikhilor has served in various capacities within the National Assembly, including as a Consultant to the Federal House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution. In this role, he focused on gender equity, human rights, strengthening governmental institutions, and enhancing transparency and efficiency in governance processes. Additionally, he served as Senior Special Assistant and Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the House, who also held the position of the 1st Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
In May 2022, Barr. Ikhilor was appointed Acting Chief of Staff to the Deputy Speaker following the resignation of the substantive Chief of Staff. His professional accolades include being appointed as a Notary Public by the Supreme Court of Nigeria in June 2022. Beyond his governmental roles, Barr. Ikhilor is the Managing Partner of Springfield Legal Consult and serves as the Executive Director and Board of Trustees member of the Amana Legacy Foundation. He is also actively involved in providing consultancy services to various private and public sector entities. Barr. Ikhilor is married with children.
Hon. Samson Osagie Named Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice
Hon. Samson Osagie, slated to assume the role of State Attorney-General, is a seasoned legal practitioner who was called to the Nigerian Bar on March 22, 1995. Born on November 11, 1967, in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, Dr. Osagie is currently the Vice President of the African Bar Association (West African Region).
Dr. Osagie’s illustrious career includes two terms as a member of the Edo State House of Assembly and as a member of the House of Representatives, where he advanced to the position of Minority Whip. His legal expertise spans across Nigeria and the African continent, where he has provided legal advisory, solicitor, and consultancy services to numerous corporate organizations and development partners.
Academically, Dr. Osagie holds a first degree in Law from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, a qualifying Certificate from the Nigerian Law School, and triple Master’s degrees in Law, Public Administration, and International Relations. He also earned a Doctorate Degree in Political Economy and Development Studies.
Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole Appointed Health Commissioner-Designate
Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole has been appointed as the Commissioner for Health. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Dr. Oshiomhole furthered his education at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana, where he obtained a Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) with a focus on Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management.
His postgraduate training continued at Harvard University in Boston, where he specialized in Clinical Research, and at Queen Mary University in London, where he studied Gastroenterology. Dr. Oshiomhole’s comprehensive academic and professional training equips him to lead Edo State’s health sector with expertise and dedication.
