THE Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health, Barrister Musa Ikhilor as Secretary to the State Government (SSG), and Honourable Samson Osagie as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
The appointments were announced in a statement today by Fred Itua, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The statement noted that, “The nominations of Osagie and Oshiomhole will be sent to the Edo State House of Assembly for confirmation soon.”
Profile of Edo’s New SSG
Barrister Musa Ikhilor, born on August 6, 1980, in Benin City, Edo State, is a law graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he earned an LL.B in 2008 (Second Class Upper). He further obtained his B.L. from the Nigerian Law School in 2009, qualifying as a Barrister and Solicitor of Nigeria’s Supreme Court. Ikhilor also holds an LL.M in Telecommunications Law from Ahmadu Bello University.
With over 11 years in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking, and governance, Ikhilor has served in various roles within the National Assembly. In 2019, he was appointed a consultant to the House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution, focusing on gender equity, human rights, and governance. He also served as a Senior Special Assistant and then as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, and later as Chief of Staff in 2022. Ikhilor is also a Notary Public and manages Springfield Legal Consult while serving as Executive Director of Amana Legacy Foundation. He is married with children.
Profile of the New Attorney General
Dr. Samson Osagie, nominee for State Attorney-General, is an experienced lawyer, admitted to the Nigerian Bar on March 22, 1995.
Currently serving as Vice President of the African Bar Association for West Africa, Dr. Osagie, from Uhunmwode LGA, was born on November 11, 1967. He is a former two-term member of both the Edo State House of Assembly and the House of Representatives, where he served as Minority Whip.
Dr. Osagie’s educational background includes a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, certificates from the Nigerian Law School, and three master’s degrees in Law, Public Administration, and International Relations. He also holds a doctorate in Political Economy and Development Studies. He has served as a Legal Adviser, Solicitor, and Consultant to numerous organizations and development agencies.
Profile of the New Health Commissioner
Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole began his education at St. Anne’s Primary School and Command Secondary School. He holds a Bachelor’s in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He pursued further studies at Tulane University, earning a Master of Science in Public Health with a focus on Environmental Health, Toxicology, and Disaster Management. He also received postgraduate training in Clinical Research from Harvard University and studied Gastroenterology at Queen Mary University in London.