By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
A contender for the Kwande-West State Constituency seat in the Benue State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Ikyoga, has pledged to prioritise empowerment programmes for women and youth, if elected in 2027.
Ikyoga, who is seeking the ticket on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), made the pledge yesterday during his formal declaration at separate consultative meetings with his kinsmen and the Nanev APC caucus in Adikpo.
The aspirant said his many years of political tutelage under stakeholders in the area have prepared him for the role.
He listed among his mentors Terlumun Akputu, a current Director at the Federal Housing Authority Mortgage Bank; the late Terfa Atii, former member of the House of Representatives for Kwande/Ushongo; Senator Daniel Saor, two-time Senator for Benue North-East; and Terseer Ugbor, the current Member of the House of Representatives for Kwande/Ushongo.
Ikyoga said he would deploy his experience, grassroots connections and understanding of the community to deliver dividends of democracy to the people.
He promised to initiate sustainable programmes to lift vulnerable groups out of poverty and attract projects to the constituency through collaboration with relevant government agencies.
The House of Assembly hopeful pledged to follow the example of his principal, Terseer Ugbor, whose achievements, he noted, include the establishment of the Technological Incubation Centre in Adikpo, the Comprehensive Primary Health Centre in Kuhe, Mbagba/Mbakyan, and the Immigration outpost in Usar. Ikyoga expressed confidence that his political experience would enable him to do more if given the mandate.
Responding, elders of his Mbaatseagher clan as well as representatives of women and youth groups assured him of their support.
They cited his commitment to grassroots development and said it was time to reciprocate his goodwill.
The Nanev APC caucus described his ambition as long overdue.
They commended his humility, loyalty and steadfast service to the party and the people, and assured him of their backing ahead of the 2027 general elections.