By Abiola Olawale
Following his endorsement for the vacant seat of Edo Central Senatorial Seat by the Movement for a Better Esan land( MBE), Dr. Joseph Ikpea, a former Edo State Honorable Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas as well as erstwhile chairman of Esan South East Local government Council, has affirmed his intention to run for the vacant senatorial seat. It would be recalled that this position recently become vacant after the inauguration of Senator Monday Okpebholo as the new Governor of Edo State.
In a video espousing his credentials and qualifications for the Seat of Edo Central Senatorial District, the Movement for A Better Esan (MBE),an esteemed professional and political advocacy organization in Esanland maintained that Dr Joseph Ikpea is a solid material with the requisite background, experience, knowledge and accomplishments to represent the people of Edo Central in the Senate.
Dr Joseph Ikpea, is a former Commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas in Edo State, a former Local government Council chairman of Esan South East, erstwhile Chairman of Edo State Library Board, erstwhile member of SUBEB, amongst others. He also has private sector experience in the oil and gas industry.
In the trending Video endorsing the candidacy of Joe Ikpea, the Movement for a Better Esan land led by its Chairman, Kingsley Iyare, expressed strong support for Ikpea, highlighting him as the ideal candidate for the position of Senator representing Edo Central.
The body underlined the fact that Joseph Ikpea has consistently demonstrated his suitability for this role through his remarkable leadership abilities, extensive experience, and profound knowledge of the political landscape.
The group also praised Joe Ikpea for his outstanding achievements in both the political arena and community service, which they said have significantly impacted Edo Central and the larger Edo state.
It would recalled that the MBE had in a previous statement praised Dr Joseph Ikpea for what it called his exemplary leadership qualities. The statement reads in part: “Dr Joseph Ikpea’s reputation is gaining traction, and the impact of his leadership and expertise is becoming 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 not just in Esan land but across other community in Edo state.
“Several individuals have begun to tell commendable stories and narratives about how Dr Joseph Ikpea, who once served as the Esan South East Local Government Council chairman from 2013 to 2016, left indelible marks behind.
“A one-time serving civil servant, Sunday Odion, in the Council stated that Ikpea is still respected, and appreciated to date because of his ability to ensure not just the prompt payment of salaries of local government workers during a period when FAAC allocations in Nigeria were low due to a significant decrease in oil revenues from the Federation Account but was also able to leverage his vast leadership skills to impact positively on the living conditions of people in many communities that make up the LGA. These testimonies and many more others attest to the fact that the Movement for a Better Esan (MBE) has made the best decision to throw its weight behind Dr Joseph Ikpea, a solid professional, a competent player in the oil and gas sector, community leader and a man of the locals love.”
The New Diplomat reports that Joe Ikpea’s reputation has been gaining traction, and the impact of his leadership and expertise is becoming 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.
Several individuals have begun to tell touching narratives about how Dr Joseph Ikpea, who once served as the Esan South East Local Government Council chairman from 2013 to 2016, left indelible marks behind.
A serving civil servant in the Council who didn’t want his name in print had stated that Ikpea is still respected, and appreciated to date because of his ability to ensure not just the prompt payment of salaries of local government workers during a period when FAAC allocations in Nigeria were low due to a significant decrease in oil revenues from the Federation Account but was able to leverage his vast leadership skills to impact positively on the living conditions in many communities that make up the LGA.
Speaking with the New Diplomat, another resident of Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State had also maintained that the name of Joe Ikpea is still on the lips of every resident of the area on account of his good deeds and accomplishments during his service years as Council chairman.
Indeed, many are of the view that Ikpea’s commitment to the good of Edo Central senatorial zone and Edo state, in general, is a huge testament to his extraordinary vision and resolute commitment to the overall development of Edo Central and Edo state.
His political journey has a rich intersection of community service, public spiritedness and exceptional accomplishments that marvel all, including his political rivals and peers. Indeed, Dr Joe Ikpea’s profound and genuine connection with the community illustrates the delicate art of active community engagement, honesty, integrity and service.
Dr Joseph Ikpea’s political journey is not only rich, fitting and exciting but one that has also enabled him to 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 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 has also served as Edo state Commissioner for Minerals, Oil, and Gas.
Credit: This content was sponsored by the MBE.
