By Abiola Olawale
As the campaign for the Edo Central Senatorial by-election intensifies, Dr Joseph Ikpea, a former Honourable Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas in Edo State, a former Chairman of Esan South East Local Government Council in the same State, and frontline Senatorial aspirant under the platform of the All Progressives Congress(AOC)has vowed to place youth empowerment at the heart of his agenda if elected.
Ikpea, a frontrunner in the senatorial race, announced that he has plans to implement transformative policies to uplift young people through education, job creation, and skills development.
Ikpea made this known during an engagement with some youth leaders who paid him a courtesy visit at his country home in Ewatto.
Speaking during the engagement, Ikpea, a seasoned politician and businessman, focused on six key areas of empowerment and transformation of the nation’s young population.
He asserted: “Additionally, the government has launched the Nigerian Youth Economic Engagement and De-Radicalisation Programme (NIYEEDEP), a 24-month action plan aimed at creating 20 million jobs for youths. The government has also established a Youth Help Desk to provide direct engagement opportunities for young people to address their concerns.
“These programmes are meant for all Nigerian youths, but our youths have not been well involved in them because most of our youths do not know that these things exist.
“I’m going to change the narrative to make sure that youths from Edo Central senatorial district fully participate in all these programmes.”
The New Diplomat reports that this comes as Ikpea’s reputation has been gaining much traction, and the impact of his leadership and expertise has become more pronounced, with numerous individuals stepping forward, sharing compelling and heartfelt testimonies that highlight the profound impact he has had as a visionary politician and dedicated community leader.
His political journey has a rich intersection of community service, public spiritedness, and exceptional accomplishments that marvel all, including his political rivals and peers.
Ikpea’s political journey is not only rich, fitting, and exciting but one that has also enabled him to touch countless lives in Edo Central, engage in awesome community development and transformation, as well as construct lasting positive legacies. He was one-time Chairman of the Edo State Library Board during the administration of former Governor Lucky Igbinedion.
He was also a member of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) under the administration of former Edo Governor Adams Oshiomhole. He was also a one-time Esan South East Local Government council chairman. He also served as a Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas during the first tenure of Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State.
