Immediate past Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba, has formally and ultimately thrown his hat in the ring for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress(APC), in the 2024 guber polls in the state anchoring his electioneering on the “Edo Okpa Ma Khin” kindred spirit which simply means “Edo We Are One.”
Agba said he would pursue an agenda of TRUST, which underpins his focus on Transforming the Rural and Urban Spaces Together. In his declaration speech, he said: “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.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for the trust and confidence bestowed upon me by those who have supported and inspired me on this journey. I pray for your continued support and prayers 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 Edo State.
According to him: “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.
“Consequently, I have witnessed the struggles of families, the frustrations of small businesses, and the deprivations of our communities. 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.
“I therefore call on you to join me in making Edo a ‘Wadoghe’ Phenomenon (a marvel to behold) by Transforming our Rural and Urban Spaces Together (TRUST). 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.
“Our education system must prepare our children to excel locally and compete globally. Through innovative policies, we will address the comparative advantages of Edo South, Edo Central and Edo North creating Financial, Cultural and Industrial hubs centred on a knowledge-based economy.
“The Benin kingdom, one of the historic kingdoms of the world, is the custodian of the Edo heritage and culture. We must showcase this heritage, not only for its incredible arts and culture but also as a cornerstone of our identity and potential for development.”
He continued: “As your Governor, I will operate an open-door policy of governance, ensuring inclusivity and responsiveness. I will carry the aspirations of our people and re-engineer our state, creating a vibrant environment for success.
“I am committed to bringing forth innovative solutions and fostering collaboration for the benefit of all residents of our state. However, this journey requires your support, ideas, and involvement. Together, we can build a movement that heralds the positive change our state deserves.”
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