***Appoints Hon. Oladele Bankole-Balogun as new revenue board chair
In a bold move to revolutionize revenue generation in Edo State, Governor Monday Okpebholo has appointed Hon. (Bar.) Oladele Bankole-Balogun as the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Board of Internal Revenue.
The announcement, made by Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa,is indicative of the administration’s determination to bolster financial stability and drive economic development.
Hon. Bankole-Balogun, born in 1961 into the prestigious Bankole-Balogun family of Igara, Akoko-Edo, brings an exceptional track record in law, governance, and business.
His qualifications include:
BSc in Political Science from the University of Ibadan. LLB in Law from the University of London.
Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the College of Law, London.
With memberships in the Law Society of England and Wales, Nigerian Bar Association, and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), his career spans leadership roles in top-tier organizations like Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Pfizer UK, and the Public Complaints Commission.
Governor Okpebholo also announced the appointment of three Executive Directors representing Edo’s senatorial districts to complement the Board’s work:
1. Deacon Idiake Patrick Akhimien – Edo Central.
2. Hon. Mike Ohio Ezomo – Edo North.
3. Hon. Engr. Jackson Eribo – Edo South.
The appointments aim to overhaul Edo’s revenue system, leveraging Hon. Bankole-Balogun’s expertise to implement innovative strategies for internal revenue growth.
“These appointments highlight our commitment to building a financially robust Edo State. With Hon. Bankole-Balogun’s leadership and this talented team, we are set to achieve unprecedented economic progress,” Governor Okpebholo stated.
The new chairman’s illustrious career includes: Chairman of Alphabet House Ltd and Director at Allen Angus Resources Ltd.
Chairman of the Barking and Havering Hospital Trust Appointments Board in the UK.
Principal Partner at Oladele Bankole-Balogun & Co.
In the political arena, he has served as a Federal Commissioner for the Public Complaints Commission and contributed to the APC Campaign Council for the 2024 Edo gubernatorial elections.
“The new leadership is tasked with optimizing revenue generation, promoting fiscal accountability, and driving economic transformation.
“The Board is set to immediately begin implementing strategies to elevate Edo State’s financial landscape, ensuring sustainable development for its citizens.