IYAMIDR Defends Edo SSG Ikhilor, Urges Youths to Avoid “Misleading Narratives”

Kingsley Ohens reporting

Benin City, April 18, 2026 — The Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR) has strongly refuted allegations that the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Barr. Musa Umar Ikhilor, has neglected his official responsibilities, describing such claims as inaccurate and misleading.

In an official statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of IYAMIDR, Solomon Okoduwa, said the organization’s direct engagement with the SSG’s office presents a markedly different picture from the accusations circulated by a group identified as the Concerned Edo Youth Groups.

According to Okoduwa, Barr. Ikhilor has demonstrated a high level of diligence, professionalism, and accessibility in the discharge of his duties. He emphasized that the Office of the SSG remains fully operational, with administrative processes being handled efficiently and in line with established governmental procedures.

“Barr. Ikhilor has shown himself to be deliberate and methodical in his approach to governance. Matters requiring urgent attention are treated with due diligence, and the office continues to function effectively under his leadership,” the statement read.

Addressing claims that the SSG is frequently absent from his office, Okoduwa clarified that the nature of the role necessitates active participation in high-level state functions alongside Governor Monday Okpebholo, while simultaneously overseeing the coordination of government activities.

He noted that reducing the complexities of the office to simplistic assertions undermines a proper understanding of governance responsibilities.

On concerns raised regarding delays in administrative responses, particularly a case referenced from February 28, IYAMIDR explained that government operations follow structured processes involving vetting, budgetary considerations, and multiple layers of approval. The organization stressed that such procedures are essential for accountability and should not be misconstrued as negligence.

The group further advised citizens and stakeholders to utilize established official channels for inquiries and follow-ups, rather than promoting narratives that could undermine public confidence in state institutions.

Reaffirming its position, IYAMIDR outlined three key points: that the SSG possesses a clear understanding of his mandate and executes it with legal precision; that his office remains accessible to the public; and that the successful implementation of the state government’s SHINE Agenda requires stability and constructive engagement.

The organization concluded by calling for unity and support for public officials, cautioning against actions or statements that may create unnecessary distractions within the governance framework of Edo State.