By Oluwafemi Popoola
The TRUST agenda, which means Transforming Rural and Urban Spaces Together, is one of the major campaign slogans of the former Minister of State and National Planning, Pince Clem Agba. Agba is one of the aspirants under the ruling All Progressives Congress, (APC) contesting for the Edo state governorship primary election on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
On December 16 2023, Agba announced to his crowd of loyalists and supporters at his campaign office in Benin about his intention to throw his hat into the ring by contesting the governorship position. And shortly after addressing the State Executives of APC, Agba said, he would pursue his TRUST agenda which he said would bridge the development gap between these spaces by implementing comprehensive strategies that address their unique needs.
“Our daily challenges are evident. Our schools, hospitals, and roads, which were once symbols of progress, cry out for urgent renewal. We must not only restore these infrastructures but also elevate them to a standard befitting of our state’s aspirations. This is the path of development I believe in, and I am championing.”
“I, therefore call on you to join me in making Edo a ‘Wadoghe’ Phenomenon {A marvel to behold} by Transforming our Rural and Urban Spaces Together (TRUST)”, Agba had declared to his supporters and party leaders.
Prince Clem Agba understands that robust infrastructure, workable agriculture, job creation, economy, health care, education and social services provided at the state level are a fundamental requirement for nation-building, hence, his mission to achieve this TRUST agenda for his People is a big deal.
It has been projected that under his initiative, significant investments will be made to develop and upgrade infrastructure in both rural and urban areas of Edo State. This includes improving road networks, enhancing access to electricity and clean water, and expanding internet connectivity.
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The TRUST agenda promises to be a game-changer. It is all-encompassing. It is a well-thought-out plan where rural and urban communities will prosper together, creating a vibrant and sustainable Edo State. It portends a great future for Edo State with the vision to turn the state into a thriving region where both rural and urban communities can prosper together.
Who is Price Clem Ikanade Agba?
To delve into Agba’s credentials and educational background is to delve into a horde of narratives of excellence. Agba attended the then Bendel State University, now Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma and graduated with a B.Sc Economics degree in 1985. He also possesses two Master’s Degrees in Business Administration, one from the University of Benin, Benin-City with a specialization in Management and the other from Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA with a specialization in Supply Chain Management.
Agba worked for Pegasus Industries and Super Engineering respectively from the mid-1980s to late 1990. He then joined the Gulf Oil Company which transformed into the present-day Chevron Nigeria Limited. Clem was thereby noticed for his astuteness and dedication which resulted in a career elevation for him as in 1996 he was seconded to the Chevron Oil Corporation in Houston to deliver his expertise in Shipping.
Clem is brilliant, inventive, charismatic humane, generous and highly disciplined. His professional ethos has also endeared him to many in the different spheres of every human endeavour. He is also regarded by many as someone who possesses the qualities necessary to navigate the complexities of governance at the state level and drive meaningful progress.
With his private sector acumen and his proven track record in the public sector, there is an air of optimism surrounding his chances at the primary election on Saturday, February 17, 2024. This cerebral man should fly the Edo APC governorship ticket.
• Popoola is a journalist and News aggregator.
