A BOUNTIFUL BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO THE ENGINE ROOM OF EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

A BOUNTIFUL BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO THE ENGINE ROOM OF EDO STATE GOVERNMENT

From: Razak Zekeri, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs 

To: Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., Secretary to the Edo State Government


On this 6th of August, we celebrate not just a birthday, but a man whose vision, diligence and quiet strength power the heart of governance in Edo State.

Barr. Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the Secretary to the State Government, is widely acknowledged as the “engine room” of the Monday Okpebholo-led administration. As the very first appointee into the executive council in November 2024, he set the tone for a government built on competence, discipline and service.

Born at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, and proudly from Irrua in Esan Central Local Government Area, the SSG’s journey reflects a life dedicated to learning and nation-building.  

He earned his LL.B with Second Class Upper Honours from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2008, proceeded to the Nigerian Law School for his B.L. in 2009, and later bagged an LL.M in Telecommunications Law from ABU in 2017.  

A Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and a Notary Public since June 2022, his legal pedigree is both deep and distinguished.

Before answering the call to serve Edo, he spent over a decade shaping policy at the National Assembly. His expertise in legislative drafting, parliamentary procedure and constitutional reform made him a sought-after technocrat. In 2019, he consulted for the House of Representatives on the review of the 1999 Constitution, with a focus on gender equity, human rights and institutional reforms.

Behind the scenes, he was also a key strategist in Governor Okpebholo’s campaign, and today he coordinates the machinery of government. As SSG, he oversees the seamless operation of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to ensure that policies translate into real impact for our people.

Beyond administration, Barr. Ikhilor has become a strong voice for the administration, articulating government positions on national platforms like Channels TV and TVC, especially on fiscal reforms and governance.

A devout Muslim, his appointment was warmly received across faith lines. In March 2026, he hosted an Iftar in Benin City for officials, a gesture that underscored his commitment to unity, religious harmony and social cohesion. He is respected as a unifier who rises above politics, focused instead on results.

Those who work closely with him describe a man of focus. “He creates time daily to treat official files without distraction. The claims that he is unavailable are simply untrue,” a source close to the office affirmed.

In the words of Comrade Razak Sedenu, Convener of Save Nigeria Group, “Umar Ikhilor is the best SSG Edo has had in 20 years. People of goodwill stand with him.”


On your birthday, Sir,

May this new year bring you increased wisdom, sound health, divine protection and greater capacity to serve.  

May your work continue to yield bountiful fruits for Edo people, and may your life be blessed with peace, honour and long life in vitality.

From all of us in the Office of Public Affairs, we celebrate you today and always.  

Happy Bountiful Birthday to the Engine of the Edo State Government.

Signed,

Razak Zekeri

Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Edo State on Public Affairs

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