Edo 2024: Umakhihe’s Fresh Hope Agenda Best Choice For Governor
As the All Progressive Congress, APC, Edo State chapter goes to the primary to elect its candidate February 17, 2024, it is clear that if we are to change our story from despair to a new era of new economic opportunities, development and growth, the party must elect a governor that means business.
Looking at the present aspirants in the party, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, seems to fit into this position.
Dr Afolabi Umakhihe comes with verifiable records of performance as a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Presidency, External Affairs and lately, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. He has distinguished himself excellently at the ministries to the benefit of all Nigerians.
Dr Umakhihe will replicate his endless developmental strides exemplified by the numerous projects he attracted to his Constituency and beyond while serving as permanent secretaries. He will also bring his vast experience to bear in the management of the state resources as Governor of the state.
Umakhihe is a development-oriented administrator. As Governor, he will usher in a new vista of hope and opportunities for Edo.
His emergence will also improve the relationship and enhance synergy between the Federal and Edo State Governments and thereby, attract the needed development currently eluding the hard working and peaceful people of the State.
Another feature is that Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe is a detribalised Edo man whose actions, body language and antecedents are devoid of ethnic sentiments. Rather, he has performed exceedingly well in his duties and has established friendships in various communities, local government areas, senatorial districts across Edo State and beyond. All these are assets that will come handy to Build A New Edo
We have the believe that the majority of Edo people are disappointed with the state of our state. For a state with abundant oil and mineral resources, arable land and one of the best human resources in Nigeria, Edo would certainly not be in the dire situation it is in today.
Dr Umakhihe will certainly make Edo state proud as its rich abundant mineral resources such oil and gas, clay, limestone, kaolin, silica, tar sand and decorative rocks, if properly harnessed, would provide job opportunities for our fast growing population and teeming unemployed youths.
The question Edo people are asking is how come that a state so blessed with such an array of raw materials, many of which have not been harnessed, be in such a terrible state where there is mass youth unemployment and despair?
So,it will be in favour of all if Umakhihe is given the APC ticket and voted for in the September 21, 2024 governorship election.
Harrison Edo-Omoregie, writes from Benin