No fewer than 5000 members of School Owners of Nigeria (SON), Delta State chapter have endorsed the Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate, His Excellency, Olorogun Barr. Kenneth Gbagi OON as their preferred candidate in the March 2023 gubernatorial polls.
The organization said in Oginibo, Ughelli south local government area of the state on 16th February 2023, that it took the decision to endorse the former minister of state for education because of his demonstrated integrity, character, competence, good experience and capacity.
Declaring support for Gbagi, SON Chairman, Pastor Joseph Odjuederie, called on all Deltans to render their voices, resources and commitment, toward the actualization of Gbagi’s noble aspiration to govern and liberate the State.
Pastor Odjuederie, who commended the SDP gubernatorial candidate for the privilege accorded them, encapsulated their agenda towards Gbagi’s victory as “PROJECT DELTA”.
In his remarks, Odjuederie, said: “We call it PROJECT DELTA because over the years, Delta State has been left in shambles by those who have represented this beautiful and blessed land of ours.
“It is obvious those who have the interest of Delta and our people has/have not been tested in the business of governance”.
He said PROJECT DELTA means, “Prosperity, Reviving our seaports, overhauling our medical facilities, Justice for all, empowerment for our people, cyclic educational turnaround and total integration of our companies for massive employment”.
Explaining further, he said: “Deep utilization of our natural resources, economic emancipation, liberation from poverty, transparency and automobile assembling plant”.
He noted that the SDP flag bearer, has the ability to handle the PROJECT DELTA, Agenda, “all of these sir, we believe that you can handle to the best of your ability”.
Continuing, the said: “haven read and digested your manifesto, it goes to show that you are the only son of the soil that has a plan for his people. Your plans for Delta to be great again shows that you are the true son of your father.
“The impression that we have about you is solid and we know that you will be sworn-in as the next governor of Delta State.
“Therefore, we have no doubt in our minds that you will deliver on your mandate to the good people of Delta State in general.
“Sequel to the aforementioned above, we the Almighty God to grant sure victory to you and all the SDP candidates through Christ our Lord, amen”.
SON had earlier mentioned that over taxing, reduction in license renewal, grants to private schools, training the trainers and subsidizing for the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) enrollment, as some of their teething challenges.
He regretted that these ingredients of manpower have been elusive and the body has not been enjoying them in the present administration under Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa-led Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP).
He said if Gbagi assumes office, as former minister of state for education with landmark achievement, he would be able to bring them to bear in the State.
In a resounding endorsement, SON said, “Sir, haven stated the obvious, we are prepared to fight your fight, walk your walk and drink your drink. And celebrate with you at your victory come March 11th 2023”.
They pledged to mobilize by engaging in door to door evangelism, create school to school awareness for him, move from community to community, mobilize parents/guardians and spread the good news of Gbagi, as the most educated, exposed, experienced and most qualified candidate to govern the state.
Fifty-two of them who represented the over 5, 000 SON members, in the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), and All Progressives Congress (APC), defected to the SDP with the party cards distributed to them.
Some of those who attended the endorsement ceremony include Okiti Ighogboja, of Christ the King private school, Pastor Godwin Ebruphivwor, Crownstar school, Udumebreye Oghenerume, Pace Setter School, Pastor Joseph Odjuederie, Great Feat School, Sunday Bezi, Waves of Glory School, Patricia Itete, Kings Private School,Kupa Vero, Zenith Model, among others.
