The deputy governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, on Monday, November 27, 2023, declared his intention to run for the office of governor of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2024 with a promise to ensure prosperity for the people.

Shaibu, while declaring his intention in Benin, the Edo State capital, said his campaign would be built upon five core pillars that would be vital to the transformation and prosperity of the people.

He stated that infrastructure development and economic diversification were the first of the pillars, while education, sports, skills development, and job creation would be second; healthcare and social welfare systems as the third pillar.

The deputy governor added that agriculture, rural development, and poverty alleviation would form the fourth pillar, while security, environmental sustainability, and transparent governance would form the fifth pillar of his agenda.

Shaibu said: “These five pillars of our agenda, among others, represent the values and priorities that we hold dear as Edolites.

“They represent our commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and viable future for all.

READ ALSO: Shaibu: Nobody can stop me from contesting Edo guber election

“To our traditional rulers and religious leaders, we acknowledge your place in the development of our state and we would ensure that under our watch, our ancestral heritage is promoted and preserved.

“Therefore, it is time for us to rise above partisanship, sentiments and unite under the banner of progress and development.

“Let us all come together to build a brighter future for ourselves and for generations to come.

“This declaration is not just a political affair. It’s a call to destiny, a call to become the heartbeat of this nation, not just in words but indeed.

“Therefore, I humbly seek your support, your trust, and your nomination in this upcoming election.

“Let us embark on this journey together and united in our determination to make Edo State a better place for ourselves and generations to come.”

According to him, under his supervision as the deputy governor, the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) grew impressively, due to the introduction of digital and cutting-edge ideas.

He added: ”In my time as a legislator, I delivered 49 constituency projects at the state level and 13 solid constituency projects within my short stint at the federal level.

“I have fought the good fight for you my people, along the way, suffered humiliations and enjoyed many moments of victory but I am thankful in all things.

“I have been pressed but not crushed, persecuted but not abandoned, badly hurt but not destroyed. I resonate with the tireless and irrepressible spirit of the Edo people.

”By the grace of God, nothing and no one can stop us. After all, I am original Edo son, 100 per cent homeboy.”

The Star