By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The Initiative for Youth Awareness on Migration, Immigration, Development and Reintegration (IYAMIDR) has dismissed allegations that the Secretary to the Edo State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq., has neglected his official duties, describing the claims as misleading and unreflective of the realities of governance.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Executive Director of IYAMIDR, Solomon Okoduwa, said the group’s direct engagement with the SSG’s office contradicts assertions made by the Concerned Edo Youth Groups.
According to Okoduwa, Ikhilor has demonstrated commitment, accessibility, and a methodical approach to governance, noting that the Office of the SSG remains fully functional under his leadership.
He said, “Barr. Ikhilor has shown himself to be deliberate, methodical, and accessible. The Office of the SSG is working, and matters requiring urgent government attention are being handled with due diligence,”
He argued that claims suggesting the SSG abandoned his office fail to consider the nature of his responsibilities, which often require his presence alongside Governor Monday Okpebholo at key state functions while overseeing administrative coordination.
Okoduwa added, “To reduce that to ‘Oga no dey office’ is unfair and ignores the realities of governance,”
Addressing a specific case referenced by the youth groups dated February 28, the IYAMIDR director explained that government procedures involve multiple stages, including vetting and budgetary considerations, and that delays should not automatically be interpreted as negligence.
He said, "Every request passes through structured processes. We urge citizens to use official follow-up channels instead of promoting narratives that demarket the state,”
The group reaffirmed its position that Ikhilor understands his mandate and is executing it with legal precision, while maintaining that the SSG’s office remains accessible to the public.
It further stressed that the administration’s SHINE Agenda requires stability and collective support rather than divisive narratives.
“Attempts to pitch the Governor against his SSG only weaken the goodwill the Concerned Edo Youth Groups claim to protect. Edo State needs unity of purpose. Barr. Ikhilor deserves support, not vilification,” the statement concluded.
