In a move that signals a strategic effort to strengthen governance and enhance service delivery in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the nomination of four distinguished individuals as Honourable Commissioner Designates.
The announcement was contained in an official government statement released on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.
The four nominees, each bringing exceptional credentials and diverse experience in governance, professional practice, and community development, are set to play key roles in the administration’s agenda to drive sustainable development and reform public service in the state.
The commissioner-designates are:
1. Hon. (Barr.) Nosa T. Adams
A seasoned legal practitioner and political activist, Hon. Nosa Adams is well known in Edo’s legal and political circles. With qualifications in law and human resource management, he has held notable leadership positions across the public and private sectors.
He previously served as Chairman of Egor Local Government Council, where he was credited with implementing grassroots development initiatives. He also served as Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor and was the General Manager of the Edo State Rubber Estates, roles in which he demonstrated a commitment to reform, transparency, and community empowerment.
Currently the Principal Partner at Nosa Adams & Co., a reputable law firm, Adams is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and is widely regarded as an advocate for good governance and legal integrity.
2. Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, JP
Hon. Yakubu Musa brings a multidimensional background to the table, with strong credentials in agriculture, business administration, philanthropy, and public service. A graduate of Agriculture and Business Administration, he has served as executive chairman of Etsako West local government area, where he championed rural development and agricultural entrepreneurship.
An accomplished Rotarian and a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC–Nigeria), Musa has been recognized internationally for his contributions to peace and community service, including being named an Eminent Peace Ambassador by the International Association of World Peace Advocates.
He is actively engaged in several management and development institutions, including the Rotary Club of Auchi Metro, where he plays a prominent leadership role.
3. Hon. (Dr.) Felix Ehiguese Akhabue
Dr. Felix Akhabue is a renowned accountant, entrepreneur, and administrator whose work spans both public governance and private enterprise. Holding degrees in Accounting and Business Administration, Dr. Akhabue has demonstrated leadership in local governance, business management, and international development.
He served as executive chairman of Esan West Local Government Council and later became the National President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), a platform through which he pushed for decentralization and grassroots empowerment.
Internationally, he has served as Vice President of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA) and was a Board Member of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF), representing Nigeria in various global policy discussions on local governance and sustainable development.
4. Engr. Prof. Omorodion Ignatius Ikponmwosa
Prof. Ikponmwosa is a highly respected academic and engineer, specializing in Industrial and Production Engineering, with a keen focus on automation and control systems. His academic journey includes a B.Eng. in Mechanical/Production Engineering from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, an M.Eng. in Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Benin, and a Ph.D. in Automation and Control from Ambrose Alli University.
A member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC), Prof. Ikponmwosa has made significant contributions to research and academic leadership in engineering education.
He is expected to bring a data-driven, innovation-focused perspective to public sector management, particularly in areas related to infrastructure, industrial development, and technological modernization.
Confirmation Process Pending
According to the statement signed by the SSG, the nominations of the four commissioner-designates will be formally transmitted to the Edo State House of Assembly for legislative screening and confirmation in accordance with constitutional procedures.
Observers say the nominations reflect Governor Okpebholo’s focus on competence, professionalism, and a deliberate balance of political, technical, and grassroots leadership.
The appointments, once confirmed, are expected to play a central role in actualising the governor’s policy priorities across key sectors including infrastructure, governance reform, local development, agriculture, and industrial innovation.
