Edo 2024: Like President Tinubu, APC aspirant, Umakhihe promises Edo people fresh hope
Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe during the declaration rally at Afuze
By Editor
Jan 07, 2024
Like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promise of Renewed Hope Agenda, Ernest Afolabi Umakhikhe, the immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has promised Edo State fresh hope if elected governor of the state in the September 21, governorship election.
DailyMonitorngr reports that, Umakhihe made the promise while formally declaring his intention to contest the governorship election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the weekend in Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan East Local Government Area.
He said, his desire to run for the office of the Governor was borne out of his conviction to use the highest public office to drive his vision of positioning the state at the forefront of growth and development in Nigeria.
The permanent secretary,who just retired from the service of the federal government, said the focus of his administration would be to use available resources in the state to transform the fortunes to a new and better society based on the principle of shared prosperity among citizens.
According to him, in the face of despair, I am sure everyone here believes there can be Fresh Hope. Even with failed promises that have shut us out, we must remain hopeful.
"It is that hope that brought us here today and together we all can rework Edo State to care for us.
"No doubt, our leaders have made tremendous efforts developing the State. The pace needs to be accelerated through enhanced mobilization of the State's potentials and enthronement of a leadership that will actualize the task of building Edo State that will usher Fresh Hope.
"It is as a result of these gaps, that I stand before you today, in the local government Headquarter of my birthplace together with everyone present and others not here, all of us with common hopes and common dreams to seek your support to run for the office of Edo State Governor.
"But I've been out there long enough to hear the echoes of cry for Hope in Edo State. And this is what our ‘Fresh Hope’ movement brings.
"It is a New Day, New Hope, New possibility. It is time for me to answer the call to serve.
"With my unyielding faith, even in the face of impossible odds, I am convinced that, with abiding faith and love for the state, I can foster the Change We Want to See. I am profoundly capable of bringing that change", he said.
Umakhihe who said the past 35 years of his stewardship as public servant has exposed him to the little things that matters to several people, noted that he had also discovered that, their voices, especially those without voice or opportunity are left to deal with the challenges.
He explained that during the 35 years period, he had done much to provide relief to the despair and cushion some of their pains, within and outside his immediate communities through his foundations which was in line with his official engagements.
He said, when elected the party's candidate and subsequently win the election, he would make agriculture the mainstay of the state economy, having succeeded as permanent secretary in the federal ministry of agriculture and food security.
The APC governorship candidate hopeful, opined that having displayed much experience and competence in his former assignments as a Federal Civil Servant, he has accepted the call by the people to serve them in the capacity of a Governor.
He pledged to make agriculture, education, security,health, transportation, youths and women empowerment, job creation, SME growth and development among others as priority if he get elected.
"Having 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.
"The reward for hard work is more work, I plead with Edo people to please give me more work to do, by voting for me as a governor so as to serve you better than before", he added.
He, however, commended the courage of the party National Leader in the state, Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of the state for his unwavering commitment to the continued growth of the APC in State.
He added his campaign is 100 percent about reclaiming the meaning of Edo person, noting that "we must restore our sense of common purpose, and realizing that no obstacle can withstand the power of voices calling for change and renewed hope".
Speaking, some APC leaders in the six local government areas that made up the Edo North senatorial district promised to give the necessary support to the aspirant to enable him win the party's ticket.
The speakers include Jim Garuba, Etsako West, Olowojoba from Akoko-Edo, Okpafi Mohammed Umoru, Etsako Central, Mudashiru Iskaka Mekidi, Etsako East and AbdulGaniyu Lawani, Owan East local governments respectively.
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