LOADED BENEFITS IN PHILIP SHAIBU'S DECLARATION SPEECH

By Besiru Enakhimion.

Edo State Deputy

Governor, Rt. Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu declared his interest to contest in the Edo 2024 gubernatorial election about two months ago.

At the ceremony, the vibrant and articulate Deputy Governor made a brief speech loaded with benefits to be enjoyed by the residents of Edo state, whose mandate he seeks ?

This piece is on the five point agenda set by the youthful and youth friendly governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP :

 (1).  INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION :

We will commit ourselves to building modern, sustainable infrastructure that drives economic growth and enhances our quality of life. 

By diversifying our economy, and exploring new sectors for growth, we will create more jobs and economic prosperity for all.

(2). EDUCATION, SPORTS, SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION :

We believe that every child deserves quality education that will equip them with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. We will prioritize the revitalization of our educational system, ensuring that no child is left behind. 

We will restore the glory of Edo in the sports sector by ensuring that just like the Bendel Insurance, other aspects of sports will be given priority so that our teeming young people will be able to showcase their potentials, and make a living through sports. 

In the same vein, we will ensure that our youths are empowered with the necessary skills to compete in the global job market.

(3).  HEALTHCARE AND SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEMS :

We recognize that a strong society takes care of its most vulnerable citizens. We will initiate a comprehensive overhaul of our healthcare system, ensuring accessibility, affordability, and quality healthcare for all. 

Furthermore, we will implement social welfare programs that support those in need, providing a safety net for our people.

(4). AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION: 

We pledge our commitment to empower our farmers, promote sustainable practices, and enhance food security for our state. Through agricultural initiatives, we will create opportunities for economic growth and work towards alleviating poverty in our rural communities.

(5). SECURITY, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE :

The safety and security of our citizens is of utmost importance. We will strengthen law enforcement and implement community policing strategies to ensure the protection of all our people. 

Additionally, we will prioritize environmental sustainability, while conserving our natural resources for future generations. We will govern with transparency and accountability, establishing a culture of trust between the government and the people.

The aforementioned  agenda is vital to the transformation and prosperity of Edo state. This has shown that the aspirant knows the problems in the state that really need the attention of the government. 

Today, people praise late Professor Ambrose Ali and classify him as the best to have governed Edo state. From the profile of the late Professor, he worked at the University of Benin, UNIBEN for five years before vying for the governorship position. Five years was enough to   find out the problems in the state . He even shared in the problems in  the state along with other residents . He plied Uselu - Lagos road and other roads that were in bad state . He knew about health care, education and other sectors in the state.

 According to Charles Kettering , "A problem well -defined is a problem half solved." Prof. Ali was able to appreciate the problems in the state and even had the necessary solutions ready before he set out for the election. That served as a boost for him.

Rt. Hon. Comrade Shaibu  has been in the system. He was an influential member of Edo state house of Assembly and house of representatives for some years and deputy governor in the state for over Seven years . He has even acted as the governor of Edo state for sometime, when Mr. Godwin Obaseki was on leave. His presence in different political offices has given him experience in governance that will aid him to hit the ground running as soon as he is sworn in as the governor of the state. He does not need to learn on the job and spend the first term in office learning the act of governance as a political neophyte that a godfather is attempting to foist on PDP would do.

Rt. Hon. Shaibu knows the problems confronting the residents of Edo State, he has shared in the problems and can easily proffer effective solutions to them if elected governor.

Now he has laced his shoes ready to confront the problems in the state . He is gunning for a position where he can take good decisions that will change the narrative for the better in the state. 

The party's leaders and delegates should know that it will be possible and easy for PDP to win the Guber election if Philip Shaibu a grassroot politician and very popular candidate is fielded. It will also be possible and very easy for PDP to lose at the same election if the party fields an unknown candidate foisted on it by  a godfather ; an unknown candidate who had just joined the party, solely because of the election.

The 100% home boy deserves the nomination of PDP for the 2024 Guber election in Edo state.