The All Progressives Congress governorship candidate for Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has vowed to prioritize security and poverty alleviation if elected as governor.
His pledge was made during the inauguration of the New Media Committee for the APC Campaign Council, where he outlined his vision for the state and the role of the new committee.
At the event held on Monday, Okpebholo emphasized that a safe and secure environment is essential for economic growth and quality of life. “I have always been concerned with people’s problems and their welfare and if I have the opportunity to be the governor of this state, I will ensure that every person living in Edo state enjoys the good things of life,” Okpebholo stated. He promised that addressing insecurity and tackling poverty would be central to his administration’s agenda.
Okpebholo also spoke about the importance of the New Media Committee in his campaign strategy. “I believe in the New Media Committee in my campaign to win the governorship election and I appeal to all members of the committee to do their best for my victory and APC’s victory on September 21, so that the party’s manifesto will be implemented for the betterment of Edo people,” he said. He stressed that the committee’s role is to engage with young people, students, young entrepreneurs, and other active users of new media platforms to support the campaign.
His running mate, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, urged the committee members to be diligent in their tasks. “My only appeal to you members of the new media committee is to be objective and be factual in your reporting of the events as they happen, there should be no falsehood in your reporting, because we will not want to be dragged into unnecessary libel,” Idahosa said. He highlighted the importance of the committee’s efforts in mobilizing the electorate for the upcoming election.
The Director General of the APC Campaign Council, Senator Matthew Urhoghide, also spoke at the event, praising the role of new media in modern political campaigns. “Since the coming of the New Media has helped solve issues of awareness because almost everybody is seeing the day-to-day happenings or events within their environment through the new media,” Urhoghide said. He emphasized that the committee must uphold objectivity and factual reporting to avoid legal issues and ensure effective promotion of Okpebholo as the best candidate for the election.
In his address, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, a prominent APC chieftain, underscored the transformative power of new media in shaping public opinion and mobilizing support. “The new media has transformed the world into a global village, just as it has played a vital role in mobilizing the populace in taking vital decisions that benefit the majority,” Ize-Iyamu stated. He encouraged the committee to act responsibly and effectively in their roles.
The Chairman of the New Media Committee, Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah, laid out the committee’s strategic goals. “We must engage with the youth, address their concerns, and inspire them to join our cause. Our digital footprint should reflect our commitment to transparency, development, and the betterment of Edo State,” Omo-Ikirodah said. He described the committee’s theme, “Effective Digital Media Strategy as a Tool for a Secured APC Victory in Edo 2024,” as central to their mission, emphasizing the critical role of digital media in modern electoral campaigns.
Omo-Ikirodah concluded by stressing that the campaign would be issue-based, focused on real concerns and aspirations of Edo State’s citizens. “Our campaign will be issue-based, focusing on the real concerns and aspirations of the people of Edo State. We are committed to a peaceful, fair, and democratic process. This election is not a do-or-die affair; it is an opportunity to present our vision for a brighter future and let the electorate decide,” he said.
The event marked a significant step in the APC’s preparations for the 2024 governorship election, highlighting the party’s focus on strategic digital engagement and key policy priorities.