From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
An aspirant in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has said he is better equipped to maximize the resources of Edo State for optimal growth following his wealth of experience having traversed several Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, working with development partners, local and international bodies, as well as in diplomatic circles.
Speaking to APC leadership and party supporters in Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan East Local Government Council while declaring his intention to contest the Edo governorship election, Umakhihe said he joined the governorship race to yield to the call by all and sundry on the need for him to serve his people as well as deliver good governance in Edo state.
While expressing optimism that with the support of the people, victory is sure , Umakhihe said . “My purpose for asking to be voted as governor is to ensure that every single person willing to work should be able to get a job or the training that leads to a job, and earn a living wage that can pay the bills, and provide quality life.”
The governorship hopeful opined that with his experience and achievements while at the helm of the ministry, his major priority is to revolutionize the agriculture sector to boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state.
“I have traversed several Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, working with development partners, local and
international bodies, as well as in diplomatic circles where I ensured effective coordination and delivery.
“I am equipped to maximize the resources of Edo State for optimal growth. Because of these facts and your commendations, that I have done well and displayed so much competence in my former assignments as a Federal Civil Servant, I have accepted the call on me to come and serve you in the capacity of a Governor.
“I have had extensive experience working with the private sector in delivering projects of Public Private Partnership.I hereby yield to all the patriotic calls, because the voice of men they say is the voice of God. ” Umakhihe said.
Umakhihe who solicited for the support of Edo APC to clinch the party’s governorship ticket said , “The past 35 years of my stewardship as public servant has exposed me to the little things that matters to several people – old and young. I have also discovered that, their voices, especially those without voice or opportunity are left to deal with the challenges.
“And during this period also, I have done much to provide relief to the despair and cushion some of their pains, within and
outside my immediate communities through my foundations and in line of my official engagements.”
He hailed the Senator Representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole for being the strongman of the Edo Politics particularly the APC despite the All Progressives Congress being an opposition party in the state from 2020.