2027: Iyamu pledges to drive laws to improve welfare of journalists

Dr Paddy Iyamu, All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 House of Representatives  Candidate for Oredo Federal Constituency has pledged to propose bills to improve the welfare of journalists.

Iyamu, former Edo Commissioner for Education, made the pledge on Tuesday when he visited the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Benin.

He said if elected, he would propose the bills to help address challenges faced by journalists to improve their living standards and that of other vulnerable people in society.

Iyamu said he was contesting the election to become a voice for the people in the national assembly.

“As journalists, we are aware that you face a lot of challenges, as do other vulnerable people in our society.

“We are going there to make laws to protect you, ensure that citizens are well represented and enable them to reap the benefits of good governance,” he said.

He also outlined his five-point agenda, listing quality representation and legislation, education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and youth empowerment as his priorities if elected.

Reflecting on his achievements as commissioner, Iyamu recalled the establishment of Usen Polytechnic in Edo, which he said was a Federal Government intervention.

He also cited the construction of a 6.25-kilometre road within the institution and the remodelling of 100 schools across the state during his tenure.

“I was able to reconstruct and remodel close to 100 schools in just one year.

“We moved from the era of students running outside to take shelter when it rains to having comfortable classrooms where they can learn and contribute to society.

“We moved from a situation,  where children sat on the floor to one where they now have seats and lockers to keep their boots, which they need when they return the next day,” he said.

On healthcare, Iyamu said he had been providing free medical services to less privileged people even before venturing into politics.

“As many of you know, even 10 years ago, before we came into politics, I have been performing free surgeries for conditions ranging from fibroids and hernia to glaucoma and breast lumps, as well as treating dental issues,” he said.

On insecurity, Iyamu emphasised the importance of education, arguing that access to knowledge could help discourage criminal activities.

“If a man knows that with education he can stand before kings and queens, he will not want to cut short his life at any given time,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr Osamuede Edebiri, APC candidate for the Oredo East Constituency in the State House of Assembly, said he would leverage on his experience as a staff member of the assembly.

He said women and youth empowerment would be among his priorities, adding that he planned to provide grants and equipment, including sewing machines, grinding machines and hair dryers, to help women establish businesses.

“We are going to empower women to start their own businesses, and these monies are non-refundable. I have sat down with my team of experts, and I can tell you it is achievable,” he said.

On education, Edebiri pledged to sponsor students from the constituency for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

He added that candidates with the highest JAMB scores would qualify for scholarships.

He also promised to empower youths affiliated with the party and connect those interested in learning trades with artisans.

He said he would also construct solar-powered boreholes and provide additional social amenities to improve residents’ living conditions.

Dr Edosa Richard, the incumbent member of the state house of assembly representing Oredo West Constituency and an APC candidate, thanked journalists for their contributions to peace in the state.

He described journalists  as the scribes of society and the voice of the voiceless, yet with the power to promote either peace or chaos.

He commended journalists in Benin for their contributions to democracy.

Richard said he had lectured at the University of Benin for 15 years, and had also practised as a medical doctor for 15 years.

He outlined his campaign agenda, which he described as a tripod comprising healthcare, education, security and infrastructure.

Highlighting his achievements during his first tenure, he listed the construction of primary and secondary schools, primary healthcare centres and solar-powered boreholes, as well as empowerment programmes.

He said he is seeking another opportunity to serve and pledged to do more if re-elected.

“This is a project and I am saying again to you and to the Oredo people that you give me opportunity to go back again and to be a mouthpiece, to be an instrument of change and to be your voice.

“For effective representation, for continuity of projects, legislation and people-friendly bills. I ask at this moment for your support to go back again as a member representing Oredo West constituency,” he added.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Edo chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Festus Alenkhe, welcomed the candidates to the press centre.

Alenkhe said journalists maintained a neutral political position and welcomed candidates from other parties to visit the press centre and address members.