A gubernatorial aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Dr Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, has said that he was better equipped to maximise the resources of the state for optimal growth.
He noted that 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, no other aspirant could match his pedigree to govern the state .
Umakhihe, who is the immediate past permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, hails from Edo North senatorial district.
Speaking to APC leadership and party supporters in Afuze, the administrative headquarters of Owan East Local Government Area, while declaring his intention to contest the Edo governorship election, Umakhihe that said he joined the governorship race to yield to the patriotic call by all and sundry on the need for him to serve his people as well as deliver good governance in the state.
While expressing optimism that with the support of the people, victory was 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 aspirant opined that with his experience and achievements while at the helm of the ministry, his priority would be to revolutionise 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. It is 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 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.
“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 said.
He hailed the senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole for being the strongman of the Edo politics, particularly the APC despite the party being the opposition in the state from 2020.
