A former National Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), and ex-boss of Esan West Local Government Area (LGA) of Edo State, Hon. Felix Godsent Akhabue (a.k.a. Joefel), had been commended for his philanthropic disposition and immense assistance to the youths, hence he was regarded as the most likely one who would get the nomination of his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the state’s governorship election holding in September, 2024.
Being a sociable person, who loves and supports the youth, sport, music and entertainment, Hon Akhabue was regarded as a man who would immensely support the entertainment and recreation industries in the state, once he is nominated as the PDP flagbearer and could win the election, if the party put its house in order by settling all the wranglings that currently plagued it in the state.
The assertions were made by some guests at the Benin Igue Culture and Reggae Fiesta One (BICURF One) extravaganza, which was held over the week, in Benin City, the state capital, and organized by the Forum for African Renaissance and Reggae Revival (FA-R3).
Speaking to newsmen at the event, Baman Omoigiade, an Edo based artistes and Social Media influencer, like some other attendees, had tipped Hon Akhabue as a homeboy and apparently the one to win the PDP party primary election.
Joefel, the business magnate and owner of several hotels, who is a notable employer of labour, was represented at the occasion by Comrade Kingsley Ohens, an activist and youth organiser
Also, some notable leaders of the entertainment industry of Edo State, performing groups, musicians, cultural artistes, film makers and others, were unanimous in their declarations that Prince Clem Agba, immediate Minister of State for Budget and National Planning and a frontline governorship aspirant in the guber election on the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was bound to boost the entertainment and creative business in the state, if he was elected as governor of the state.
Speaking as Chairman of the event, Prince Actor Shegun Alile, veteran musician and actor, who is Culture and Arts Ambassador to the Great Benin Kingdom, who was pleased with the stage performance of Prince Agba at the occasion, said that he was elated to confirm at the occasion, about what had been said that Agba was a great singer, who also loves music and recreation, and was bound to encourage it, once elected as governor in the said election.
Speaking in the same vein, Comrade Willy Eghe Nova, Sole Administrator of the state’s chapter of the Performing Musicians/Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), said that with Agba, a well-known singer, music and art collector as a governor, entertainers and the hospitality sector were going to be bettered in Edo State.
Earlier on, Comrade Tony Erha, Founder/President of FA-R3, said that the carnival was one in the series of the annual festival designed to promote and harmonise Igue, the famous festival of the Benin people, with Reggae music.
The event, which had Prince Agba and Hon. Akhabue as Special Guest of Honour and Guest of Honour was livened up with the presence of a galaxy of veteran artistes like Elder Omorogie (Mochico Bay) and Chief Great Omoruyi. On stage among others were Lady Patra and Peter the Rock Uwaifo.
