By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Special Adviser to Edo State Governor on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, Hon Eugene Utubor has tasked the ex-students union leaders of Edo State extraction of the various universities and other tertiary institutions across the country to leverage on their wealth of experiences by a way of volunteering useful ideas to the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo to succeed in his mandate.
He gave the task while receiving the body a courtesy call on him in Government House, Benin.
Hon. Utubor also said that the governor has begun the empowerment of youths in the state which to a large extent would address the issues of restiveness.
He assured that the Governor has a lot in the pipeline for the youths, stressing that, the Cabinet is made up of youths as the Governor himself is in the youth age bracket.
“I appreciate this visit so much and want to say that we have a lot to do together. From what I’ve been told, I’m the youngest person in the history of Edo State to occupy this office, it is the first time we are having someone in his forties and I must tell you that I want to succeed, and need your support to succeed.
“We need ideas from all of you, my doors are open to you for your advice and contribution to make us succeed.
“For those of you who have been coming around since we assumed this office, you are aware that we have been dealing with issues that have to do with the youths and all stakeholders from all the sectors. We’ve been meeting with political leaders and that’s part of what we have achieved.
“And we are doing all these to assist Governor Monday Okpebholo who means so well for Edo people to succeed and he needs advice from all of you. As former students union presidents and executive members you have a lot of experience and contacts you can bring to bear in this government.
“The Governor is doing a lot in the area of youth empowerment and there are still a lot on the pipeline. The Governor who also belong to the youth age bracket wants us to grow together, so let’s join hands with him and grow together”.
Leader of the group and an ex- leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Aaron Abiebhode thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for appointing one of their own as his Special Adviser on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, assuring that they will assist Hon. Utubor in his assignment to make the Governor succeed in delivering on his electoral promises to the people.
“We’ll render all our support to you to enable you assist the governor to deliver on his electoral promises to the people.
“I believe in you, I believe in your capacity and know that this appointment is an opportunity for you to bring your talents to bear in the governance of the state”.
Also speaking, a member of the group and an ex-students union leader at College of Education, Ekiadolor and Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma, Comrade Bevy Efe pointed out that the ex-students union leaders and youth groups in the state regard the appointment as the best so far as Eugene Utubor is one of them as an ex-students union leader himself.
“We are here to congratulate you on your appointment as Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Mobilisation and Engagement, and to assure you that we will collaborate and work with you to succeed.
“We also want to express our gratitude to Governor Okpebholo for this appointment. For us, ex-students union leaders, this is the best appointment so far as he’s one of us. And the best way to show our appreciation is to visit you formally and assure you to count on our unalloyed support to enable you succeed in your assignment to make the Governor succeed”.
In their various remarks, Comrade David Salami, Comrade Prince Festus Otono and Comrade Godsent Ibhate thanked Governor Okpebholo for the appointment and assured him of their support to enable Utubor succeed.
They appealed to the Special Adviser to keep his doors opened and be receptive to advise from them and other well meaning youths in the state.
