Ambassador Sunday Balogun hails from Afokpella, Okpella, Etsako-East Local government area (LGA) of Edo State. The Politician who finds fulfilment in promoting God’s work is a leading governorship Aspirant under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP.)
As political parties prepare to conduct primary elections that will produce candidates for the actual context for Governor Godwin Obaseki’s successor next year, Balogun posits that Edo north, and not central, deserves to produce the next Governor of Edo State. In an exclusive media chat with Balarabe Oshiafi in Abuja at the weekend, the philanthropist said he would subjugate poverty as next Governor of Edo State.
Excerpt:
Q: You are known to be giving scholarships scheme. What is the scope?
Balogun: I’ve been doing it since 2008 in Nassarawa where I live, Abuja and Okpella, Edo North where I hail from. We have also been giving welfare to the underprivileged in Edo State.
Q:!What is it about your quest to be the next Governor of Edo State?
I always try to please God in all I do and I believe that benevolence is an act of worship. When ever I go to Edo, I interact with people. I’m a grass rooter and people have motivated me, convincingly to be their next Governor. And as a staunch party Man, Im optimistic that PDP will give me the ticket.
Q: The people of Esanland in Edo central senatorial district are arguing that it’s their turn to produce the next Governor of Edo State. What is your take on this?
They have produced two professors who have been governors under civil rule. Ambrose Alli and Oserhiemen Osunbor. We in Edo north have only had one, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. So we should cry of maginalisation. In any case, governance is about capacity to develop the state and I think we should eschew sentiments. Who is supposed to cry. Benin that is Edo south have had it four times. The man that is there now south. So it is the turn of an Etsako Man.
Q: What do you think are your chances of clinching the PDP ticket?
I’m very hopeful that my party will give me the ticket. I’m a loyal man.
Q: What is your plant about harnessing the mineral deposits in Okpella?
When I become the Governor, I will now have a legal voice to better harness such resources. And about the present deputy governor, Philip Shaibu also contesting, all I can say is that I know the deputy governor will support me after the primary election.
