A leading governorship aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, has said he would pursue an agenda of TRUST, which underpins his focus on transforming the rural and urban spaces in Edo together if given the opportunity to govern the state.
Agba who is the immediate past minister of Budget and Economic Planning disclosed this during his formal declaration of interest in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election at his campaign office in Benin City.
The former minister told the enthusiastic crowd of supporters made up of party leaders, family members, friends and we’ll wishers that he would spare no efforts at bringing development to the state’s rural communities as would be desired for the urban centres as a measure to curb the current trend of rural urban drift especially among the youth.
“Collectively, we can grow our economy, promote integrated rural development and urban renewal, improve access to health, education, potable water, and sanitation, ultimately improving our people’s standard of living”, Agba explained.
He acknowledged the pivotal role education has to play in the transformation of our rural communities, hence his vision to evolve an educational system that must prepare our children to excel locally and compete globally.
Agba said through innovative policies, he would explore in the most beneficial way the comparative advantages of Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North. creating financial, cultural and industrial hubs centered on a knowledge-based economy.
According to him, “Today, I stand before you filled with a sense of profound responsibility and unwavering commitment.
“I am honoured to formally announce my intention to contest for the APC gubernatorial ticket of our great state, Edo.
“This decision, borne from deep reflections and extensive consultations with my beloved family, distinguished leaders of our party, and a wide range of stakeholders across the state and country, reflects my dedication to our shared future,” Agba said.
His deep knowledge of the struggles of families, the frustrations of small businesses, and the deprivations of our communities he said remains his driving force to lift the state out of it’s current state if affairs.
He added, “The disconnect between sub-national governments and the central government has further aggravated the multidimensional poverty among our people.
“Our daily challenges are evident. Our schools, hospitals, and roads, which were once symbols of progress, cry out for urgent renewal. We must not only restore these infrastructure but also elevate them to a standard befitting of our state’s aspirations. This is the path of development I believe in, and I am championing.
“This unique blend of experiences, coupled with my career in the public and organised private sectors, has allowed me to engage with a diverse array of communities and institutions, both locally and globally.”
He therefore called on Edo people to join him in making Edo a ‘Wadoghe’ Phenomenon {A marvel to behold} by transforming our rural and urban spaces together
He expressed his gratitude for the trust and confidence bestowed upon him by those who have supported and inspired him on his bid to govern the state just as he wished they continue to support and pray for him “in our shared voyage”.
He said that having been raised in Edo North, educated in Edo Central, and united by marriage with Edo South, his life’s journey mirrored the multifaceted beauty and complexity of the state thus placing him at a better stead to transforming the state in all sectors.
The governorship aspirant had earlier on Thursday morning officially informed the leadership of the APC of his intention to run the party’s governorship ticket. He was received at the party’s secretariat by the state working committee led by Lawrence Okah
