The Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC, governorship candidate, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has unveiled his manifesto to a community of Edo indigenes in the Diaspora during his campaign visit to the United States ahead of the September 21 election.
APC governorship candidate Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, state party chairman Jarret Tenebe, former governor candidate Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, former House of Representatives member Ehiozuwa Agbonayinma, and US-based businessman David Adodo were among the members of his delegation from Nigeria.
Party chieftains like Stanley Ighodalo, Paddy Emmanuel Iyamu, Prof. Sam Guobadia, and Lincoln Ibie were among the others.
This was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by Okpebholo’s media office on Wednesday.
In his “Manifesto of Renewed Hope,” the lawmaker explained how he hoped to tackle the challenges of insecurity, the economy, agriculture, power, oil and gas, transportation, education, healthcare, the digital economy, women’s empowerment, and judicial reform, which he said were his top priorities.
Addressing the audience in Washington, DC, the APC governorship candidate appreciated the role Edo people in the Diaspora had been playing in the development of various communities in the state.
While promising to live up to expectations when he takes over from the incumbent governor, Godwin Obaseki, Okpebholo unveiled his plans for the agency in charge of indigenes living abroad, saying their participation and engagement would be a priority.
He said, “I promise to rejuvenate Edo security and bring up massive infrastructure to advance the economic development of the state and open it up for foreign investments, affordable healthcare, water, food security, and value-driven education, while not leaving behind tourism and the creative industry.
“I remain committed to liberating Edo from stagnation. The manifesto of renewed hope for Edo people will give life to Edo Diaspora Agency which will boost the participation and engagement of Edo State indigenes resident abroad.”
After the presentation of his manifesto, one of the diaspora community leaders, Lizzy Olumese, moved a motion for his endorsement as the next governor of Edo State.
Olumese said, “After a careful and thorough examination of his manifesto and preparedness to deliver on his manifesto, we were satisfied that he is imbued with the necessary capacity, tenacity and humility to unite the Edo people for progress.
“From Senator Monday Okpebholo’s record of contributions to nation building. As a private citizen and a senator, he has done well. He has proven that he can deliver good governance to all Edo people.
“By this endorsement, we urge our fellow diaspora brothers and sisters in the United States of America, Britain, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and those in Edo State to support and vote for Senator Monday Okpebholo.”
