Gubernatorial race: I will unite Benue again – Raymond Edoh

Dr. Raymond Edoh, a governorship aspirant in Benue State, 2027, has intensified his campaign with a bold, people-focused agenda, promising to prioritise security, youth empowerment, women inclusion and grassroots development if elected governor. In a passionate address to the people of Benue State, Edoh said his ambition is driven by love for the state and […]

Dr. Raymond Edoh, a governorship aspirant in Benue State, 2027, has intensified his campaign with a bold, people-focused agenda, promising to prioritise security, youth empowerment, women inclusion and grassroots development if elected governor.

In a passionate address to the people of Benue State, Edoh said his ambition is driven by love for the state and a determination to confront the insecurity, unemployment and underdevelopment affecting communities across the state.

Describing himself as “a true son of the soil,” Edoh said Benue’s strength lies in its people—from farmers in Agatu and Guma, to traders in Makurdi and Gboko, and youths across Sankera, Otukpo, Katsina-Ala, Vandeikya, Apa and Oju.

“Benue is blessed with fertile land, resilient people and enormous potential, yet our farmers live in fear, our youths are unemployed and our communities lack basic infrastructure. This is not the Benue we deserve,” he declared.

Edoh said his administration would place youths at the heart of governance and economic revival. He announced plans for a statewide Youth Jobs and Skills Programme focusing on digital skills, vocational and technical training, with clear pathways to employment and self-employment.

He also pledged to establish a Benue Youth Enterprise Fund, providing low-interest loans and grants to young entrepreneurs in agriculture, technology, trade and the creative industry through transparent, merit-based processes.

“Opportunity in Benue will no longer depend on who you know, but on what you can do,” Edoh said.

As part of his youth-driven agribusiness agenda, he promised land access, mechanisation, storage facilities and guaranteed market linkages for young farmers, declaring that agriculture must become profitable again for Benue youths.

The aspirant further promised the establishment of technology and innovation hubs beginning in Makurdi, expansion to other zones, and the appointment of qualified young people into government, supported by youth advisory councils at state and local government levels.

Edoh also outlined a comprehensive plan for women and mothers, whom he described as the backbone of Benue’s economy and social stability.

He pledged economic empowerment for women traders, farmers and entrepreneurs through soft loans, grants and cooperative financing, especially in rural areas. Women farmers, he said, would receive access to land, modern tools, processing facilities and direct market access.

“Benue has survived because our women refused to give up. My government will stand with them and restore their dignity,” he stated.

The governorship aspirant promised to strengthen primary healthcare centres across the state, with special focus on maternal and child healthcare, particularly in rural communities.

He also committed to policies that protect the girl child, keep girls in school and safeguard them from abuse, early marriage and exploitation.

On security, Edoh said peace remains central to his vision, stressing that no mother should live in fear and no community should be displaced due to leadership failure.

Edoh concluded by calling on youths, women and all citizens of Benue State to support his aspiration, describing it as a movement to restore hope, create jobs and rebuild trust in governance.
“This journey is not about power, but service. Together, we will heal our land, unlock opportunities and build a Benue State where every community matters,” he said.