An aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Edo gubernatorial election, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has commended the Senator Representing Edo North Senatorial District in the National Assembly (NASS), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole for his commitment to the growth of the party in Edo State.
Umakhihe is the immediate past permanent Secretary, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and hails from Edo North Senatorial District of Edo State.
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 patriotic of all and sundry for him to serve as well as deliver good governance in Edo state.
“I salute specifically the courage and care of our dear National Leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, for his unwavering commitment to the continued growth of the APC in Edo State.
“To the leadership at the various LGAs across the State, I must say you have worked spiritedly like soldiers to establish the relevance of our party.
“It is significant to mention here that, why the leadership of our party at the various levels were doing everything to ensure that the party keeps maintaining her relevance in Edo State, by performing creditably well at every elections, I, Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe have been in the background contributing my quota to the party’s successes.
Umakhihe who solicited 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.”
“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.”
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 noted 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.
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