By Felix Ekwu
A notable female grassroot politician and mobilizer of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from Ethiope West Local Government Area of Delta State, Hon. (Princess) Philomena Ededey-Umukoro has joined the race to occupy the Ethiope Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives come 2023.
To kick start her journey to the Green Chamber, Hon Ededey, a one-time House of Assembly aspirant in 2006 during the week met with the executive members and leaders of her PDP Ward 8 in Ethiope West Local Government Area to officially intimate them of her intention to contest for the position in the coming 2023 general elections.
While soliciting their prayers and support to actualise her ambition to be a strong voice for Ethiope Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon Ededey, who was in 2007 the Chairman of Delta State Post Primary Education Board (PPEB) noted that Ward 8 is the only Ward since the creation of Ethiope to occupied any elective office.
She said, “I am here to formally inform my people of Ward 8, that I, Hon Princess Philomena Ededey, after due consultation with God, my conscience and proper deliberation with some critical stakeholders, have decided to contest for the House of Representatives in Ethiope West which is my constituency.
“The desire to make our dear constituency envy of all is my utmost priority. I decided to throw my hat into this contest to fulfil the part of my passion in contributing my best quota towards developing Ethiope Federal Constituency and Delta as a whole.
“I, therefore, appeal to you all to join this team and support for us to make history for a better government.”
Hon Ededey assured that, if given the opportunity to represent the people in the National Assembly come 2023, her top priority will be to explore the frontiers of best democratic dividends to Ethiope Federal Constituency.
She recalled the many infrastructural developments she brought to primary schools in Ethiope East and West Local Government Areas while she was a member of the Delta State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) urging the people of Ethiope Federal Constituency to allow a woman for the first time to represent them in the House of Representatives in 2023 and see a big difference.
Responding, Chairman PDP Ward 8, Mr Alex Dogho, who spoke with enthusiasm said the entrance by Hon Ededey into the House of Representatives race was a welcome development.
Dogho expressed happiness that someone like Hon Ededey who has paid her dues at the ward, local government and state level is coming out for such an elective position.
While praying for her to succeed in her aspiration, the PDP Ward 8 chairman promised to stand by her both in thick and thin.
He advised Hon Ededey to continue to consult other critical stakeholders in the federal constituency even as she continues to seek the face of God from Whom all powers come.
Ex-Local Education Authority Secretary for Ethiope West Local Government, Chief Robert Eyaufe,
Other party stalwarts including the Unugblogodo of Oghara kingdom, Chief Steven Igbivwie and Ex-Local Education Authority Secretary for Ethiope West Local Government, Chief Robert Eyaufe, who could not hide their joy and support, described Hon Ededey as a round peg in a round hole.
They noted that Hon Ededey has been a rallying point in the Ward, adding that, with her position as an appointee, she has shown capacity in human capital development.
They posited further that, if she is given the opportunity to serve in a higher capacity, she will do more and surpass the records of others who have served in that office.
Other political positions held by Hon. (Princess) Philomena Ededey includes Council Member – College of Education Agbor (2003 – 2006); Member, Lands Use and Survey (2008 – 2010); Supervisory Councillor, Ethiope West Local Government (2008 -2011; 3rd Member SUBEB 2015 and 1st Member SUBEB (2019 -2022).
- ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM OASIS MAGAZINE