…says victory is triumph of unity, vows inclusive development across 10 wards
By Kehinde Jacobs
Edo State — The Chairman-Elect of Orhionmwon Local Government Council, Hon. Thompson Osagie, has expressed profound gratitude to the people of Orhionmwon for their overwhelming mandate in the just concluded local government elections, describing the outcome as “a triumph of unity, hope and the collective aspiration for a greater Orhionmwon.”
In a statement issued after the polls, Osagie, who won alongside his running mate, Hon. Felix Obamwonyi, and all APC councillorship candidates in the area, said the victory belongs to every resident who believes in a more prosperous, peaceful and united local government.
“It is with profound humility, immense gratitude, and a heart filled with thanksgiving that I extend my deepest appreciation to Almighty God, the Author and Finisher of our destiny, whose infinite grace, mercy, and divine providence have made this remarkable victory possible. To Him alone be all the praise,” Osagie stated.
He noted that he was overwhelmed by the confidence reposed in him through the massive turnout and resounding votes recorded across the local government. According to him, the mandate is a sacred trust that he will not take for granted.
“This remarkable victory is not mine alone; it belongs to every son and daughter of Orhionmwon who believes in the vision of a greater, more prosperous, peaceful, and united local government. Your unwavering support and confidence have strengthened my resolve to work tirelessly in delivering purposeful, people-oriented, and transformational governance that will positively impact every ward and every community across our local government,” he said.
Osagie specifically thanked voters, campaign volunteers, polling agents, ward executives, women and youth leaders, as well as community mobilizers whose efforts, he said, produced the decisive win. He also acknowledged traditional rulers, religious leaders, security agencies, market associations, civil society groups and professional bodies for ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The Chairman-Elect paid glowing tribute to the Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to the transformation of Edo State.
“I owe a profound debt of gratitude to the Executive Governor… Under your visionary leadership, the dividends of democracy are becoming increasingly visible, restoring hope to our people and strengthening public faith in government. Your support, encouragement, and fatherly guidance throughout this journey have been invaluable,” Osagie added.
He equally appreciated key APC leaders including Rt. Hon. Dr. Pius Egberamwen Odubu, Rt. Hon. Patrick Aisowieren, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the APC National Women Leader, Dr. Mary Idele Alile, the State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, the State Deputy Chairman, Hon. Sylvester Aigboboh, State Secretary, Engr. Lawrence Okah, the Local Government APC Chairman, Comrade Julius Agbonze, and the entire party structure in the state and local government for their unity and support.
Speaking on governance, Osagie pledged to run an administration anchored on integrity, transparency, accountability, compassion and fairness. He promised to consolidate on existing gains while expanding infrastructure, strengthening security, and improving access to education and healthcare across Orhionmwon.
“We shall empower our youths and women, promote agriculture and economic opportunities, and ensure that every ward benefits meaningfully from the dividends of democracy,” he said. “Our administration shall remain people-centred, development-driven, and firmly committed to the ideals of justice, equity, and shared prosperity.”
In a call for more unity, the Chairman-Elect urged residents to move beyond political differences, stressing that “elections have come and gone. Now is the time to close ranks… There will be no victors or vanquished. We are one people with one destiny.”
He extended a hand of fellowship to all residents irrespective of political affiliation and promised an inclusive government “where every voice matters, every community counts, and every citizen has a stake in our collective progress.”
Osagie concluded by dedicating the victory to God and to the people of Orhionmwon, praying for wisdom, peace and progress in the local government, Edo State and Nigeria.
“Together, the best days of Orhionmwon are still ahead of us,” he said.
