Kingsley Ohens reporting For Urbanscopnews
Dr. Oghogho Taiye Garrick, a House of Representatives hopeful for Ikpoba Okha/Egor Federal Constituency, intensified his grassroots consultation with a high-profile visit to Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, where he engaged party leaders and stakeholders at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Secretariat along Upper Sokponba Road in Benin City.
The reception underscored growing political momentum around his aspiration, as the venue came alive with a vibrant display of support from party faithfuls, including ward chairmen, women leaders, youth leaders, and LGA executives. His arrival was marked by a triumphant procession, with women and youths clad in colorful attire dancing in celebration, reflecting the love and enthusiasm that greeted his entrance into the party secretariat.
In his address, Dr. Garrick expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the party for the warm reception, acknowledging their continued support and reaffirming his longstanding commitment to empowering people through initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods. He emphasized that his ambition is anchored on service, guided by a clearly articulated vision, mission, and actionable commitments.
Outlining his policy direction, Garrick presented a comprehensive development framework focused on building an inclusive constituency where opportunities are accessible, economic growth is stimulated, and governance has a visible impact on everyday life. He stressed that his mission is driven not by personal ambition but by a deep understanding of the socio-economic challenges confronting residents, including unemployment, inadequate healthcare access, infrastructure deficits, and limited economic opportunities.
Positioning himself as a reform-oriented candidate, he detailed priority areas of intervention, including youth empowerment through skills acquisition and digital job opportunities, women’s economic inclusion via access to grants and cooperative structures, and improved healthcare delivery through advocacy for upgraded primary health centers and broader enrollment in national health insurance schemes.
On infrastructure and energy, he pledged to leverage legislative advocacy to attract federal projects, push for road and drainage improvements, and facilitate access to alternative power solutions through partnerships with relevant agencies, while also highlighting plans to strengthen social protection systems targeting the elderly, widows, and persons with disabilities.
Dr. Garrick further articulated his legislative strategy, emphasizing strong advocacy, strategic budget engagement, and effective oversight as key mechanisms to ensure that the constituency benefits from federal allocations and development programs. He noted that his local and international networks would be deployed to attract investment, foster partnerships, and create sustainable opportunities for constituents.
Responding on behalf of the party, the APC Ikpoba Okha Local Government Chairman, Hon. Sunny Imuetiya Ogbewe, welcomed the aspirant and his delegation, describing the local government as hospitable and receptive. He commended Garrick for addressing critical issues such as electricity and acknowledged ongoing reforms that enable subnational governments to play more active roles in power generation and distribution. He also praised the aspirant’s leadership qualities, his structured presentation, and the decision to document his vision and mission, urging other aspirants to emulate such an approach while maintaining mutual respect within the political space.
Other stakeholders echoed similar sentiments. Assistant LGA Women Leader, Mrs. Iyobosa Atoe, acknowledged the clarity of the aspirant’s message and offered prayers for the emergence of the right candidate, while Hon. Louis Osayande, also known as Cool Breeze and Special Adviser to the LGA Chairman, welcomed Garrick and wished him well in his political pursuit.
The engagement concluded with party leaders expressing goodwill toward the aspirant and his team, reflecting a shared sense of unity and encouragement within the local APC structure.
Addressing newsmen after the event, Dr. Garrick said he was pleased with the warm reception accorded him and reiterated his commitment to purposeful and people-oriented representation. He went further to commend the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as deliberate, people-focused, and forward-looking developmental strides across the state, particularly within Ikpoba Okha and Egor.
He noted that the governor’s approach to governance reflects a clear understanding of grassroots realities, citing visible improvements in infrastructure, renewed attention to road networks, and ongoing efforts to strengthen economic activity within urban and semi-urban communities. According to him, the administration’s commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving public infrastructure, and creating an enabling environment for small and medium-scale enterprises is already impacting livelihoods and restoring public confidence in governance.
Dr. Garrick further highlighted the governor’s responsiveness to critical sectors such as power and economic development, noting that progressive policies and alignment with national reforms are opening new pathways for subnational growth. He emphasized that such strategic direction not only addresses immediate needs but also positions Edo State for sustainable long-term development.
He described Senator Okpebholo’s leadership as proactive and inclusive, adding that the visible progress recorded in key areas demonstrates a governance model anchored on results, accountability, and service delivery. He expressed confidence that with sustained collaboration between state and federal representatives, more dividends of democracy would be attracted to Ikpoba Okha/Egor Federal Constituency.
Reaffirming his own role within that framework, Dr. Garrick stated that his aspiration is to complement ongoing state efforts through effective federal representation that will amplify development, attract more projects, and ensure that the people of the constituency fully benefit from both state and national opportunities.
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