By Ehichioya Steve Odion

The need for the practical involvement of the youth in the governance of Edo State to engender concerted development took the center stage on Friday when Engr Gideon Ikhine addressed leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress in Ikppba Okha and Uhunmwode local government areas of Edo State

Ikhine, a foremost aspirant for the Edo 2024 governorship contest on the platform of the APC said the failure by successive governments to effectively, meaningfully engage the youth was responsible for the absence of actual growth and development, assuring that his administration when elected governor will make youth engagement the central focus of the administration.

He said if the youths are properly empowered they will not involve in social vices and other things that may serve as distraction. He advised the youths to work hard and take the coming election seriously and work for him to emerge as the party’s candidate because he is in the race and working for a brighter future for them.

He further said that he does have an ambition but a vision to restore the glory of Edo and its people, adding that unlike craving for the exalted office of governor as could be perceived in the voult ambitions of some politicians all bent against the interest of the ordinary Edo people, but for their self enrichment as well as their family, friends and associates.

“I’m not running for the governorship because I am an Esan man. But I’m running because I’m a son of Benn Kingdom as well. I want Edo people to buy into my vision in order to restore hope for the people”.

“I’m one of the best candidates who actually prepared for this Governorship project having worked night and day to carry out a research in order to be abreast with the problems of Edo State before embarking on this journey”.

He said his plan is to remove APC from opposition in Edo State with the support of Party members in the state, adding that he is the only candidate that can achieve that for the party having grown a broad support base cutting across the three senatorial districts.
He therefore appealed to the leadership of the party to give him the party’s ticket and vowed to dislodge other guber candidates from other political parties in the state.

Continuing, he said in order to be able give Edo people a speedy development he will try and reduce the cost of governmance because the essence of governance is to reduce the sufferings of the people and make sure they live a better life.

He again called on the leadership of the party to consider him for the job and promised to give proper accountability to the leadership of the party and Edo people in general.

In their responses, the chairmen of the respective local government areas visited, Hon. Sunny Ogbewe and Rt. Hon. Osawe Osajemwenre said that with the program presented by Engr. Gideon Ikhine it simply means that the party has gotten a candidate that will win election for the party.

They appealed to the leadership of the party to consider competence and capability of the respective aspirants to win election for the party and not to compromise by presenting a weak candidate that will fail the party.