Edo 2024: Umakhihe joins govship race, promises agriculture, education revolution

The immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has pledged to make Agriculture the mainstay of the state economy if elected in the September 21 governorship election in Edo. Umakhihe, an aspirant of the All Progress Congress (APC), said he was declaring to contest the September election […]

The immediate past Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has pledged to make Agriculture the mainstay of the state economy if elected in the September 21 governorship election in Edo.

Umakhihe, an aspirant of the All Progress Congress (APC), said he was declaring to contest the September election with a promise of fresh hope.

He made the pledge while speaking with journalists shortly after his declaration.

Umakhihe said 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 as governor.

He pledged to make education, security, health, transportation, youths and women empowerment, job creation, SME growth and development among others as priority if he get the APC ticket and eventually elected governor.

“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.

According to him, if he picks the APC ticket and eventually elected governor, he would mobilise the State’s potentials and enthrone a leadership that will actualize the task of building Edo.

“The past 35 years of my stewardship as public servant has exposed me to the little things that matters to several people, both old and young. I have also discovered that, their voices, especially those without voice or opportunity are left to deal with the challenges,” he said.

The governorship aspirant explained that there is a leadership gap in the state, saying “It is as a result of these gaps, I am seeking the support of the people to run for the office of the governor of Edo state”.

“As a civil servant, 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.

“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”.