The Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has re-affirmed his commitment to impact positively on the lives of citizens by utilising money accruing to the state on meaningful projects.
The governor, who made this known when he hosted members and leadership of the Action Congress of Nigeria in the three senatorial districts of the state, market women and youths of the party to separate luncheon, thanked them for their contributions in strengthening the party in the state in the past year.
While appreciating the members of the party for their contributions in the development of the state, Oshiomhole, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Peter Okhiria, said the massive investments in road construction, renovation of public schools and other ongoing projects are aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy to the people.
The state governor said the abolition of fees for public primary and secondary schools as well as the reduction of fees payable by students of the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and introduction of free medical care for those above 70 years are designed to touch the lives of citizens positively.
At Igueben, Esan North East Local Government Area, where the luncheon was held for members of the Action Congress of Nigeria in Edo Central Senatorial District, a leader of the party, Chief Tom Ikimi, who is a former Minister for External Affairs, disclosed that this kind of party, which is the first to be hosted by a governor, has never happened before.
Ikimi said: “We are determined that since we have seen the light, we are not prepared to throw away what we have got. Let us be vigilant and embrace dialogue to resolve any impasse.”
The chairman of Action Congress of Nigeria in Edo State, Hon Thomas Okosun, said Esan people are free and liberated, adding that the people are happy with the reduction in fees paid by students at the AAU.
While addressing market women in Benin City, Oshiomhole promised to give every market woman support towards making life easier and disclosed that by next month the Agbado Market will be completed and the shops will be allocated to the market women.
The Secretary to Edo State Market Women Association, Mrs. Josephine Ehi Omoregie, who commended the Comrade Governor for appointing seven market women as Board members as well as a Councillor, appreciated the efforts of the state governor at the ongoing work at Uwa Market.
At a similar luncheon held by the state governor for youths in Edo State, over 27 youth organisations pledged their support for the second term bid of Oshiomhole to sustain the ongoing development going on across the state.