Ikpea Assures Edo Central of Effective Representation, Gives ₦10m to Five LGAs

By Rosemary Okoduwa

The Senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Senator Joseph Igiagbe Ikpea, has assured his constituents of effective representation, accountability, and people-oriented development.

Ikpea gave the assurance on Tuesday at the Edo Central Senatorial District Stakeholders’ Town Hall Meeting held at Uromi Town Hall, with the theme: “Deepening Legislative Accountability, Development Dialogue and Inclusive Participation.” The meeting brought together political leaders, traditional rulers, community representatives, youths, women, and other stakeholders to deliberate on the responsibilities of lawmakers and the development priorities of the district.

Ikpea explained that senators are primarily lawmakers and do not directly execute constituency projects, noting that such funds are domiciled with the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). He stated that he would continue to engage constituents across the five local government areas to identify their priority needs and advocate for projects that would positively impact the people.

As part of his commitment, the senator donated ₦2 million to each of the five local government areas, amounting to a total of ₦10 million, for community-focused interventions. He also invited market women across Edo Central to a meeting aimed at developing an empowerment programme to support their businesses and livelihoods.

The Chairman of the occasion and APC leader in Edo Central Senatorial District, Gen. Cecil Esekhaigbe (Rtd.), commended the initiative, describing the stakeholders’ meeting as a significant step toward strengthening democratic governance and deepening the relationship between elected representatives and their constituents. Esekhaigbe said the various presentations at the meeting helped participants better understand the distinct responsibilities of the legislature, executive, and judiciary. He noted that Senator Ikpea assumed office at a time when constituency funds had already been allocated to the relevant MDAs.

A former member of the House of Representatives for Esan Central, Esan West and Igueben Federal Constituency, Mr. Patrick Ikhariale, spoke on “The Constitutional Duties of a Legislator,” while a former two-term member of the House of Representatives for Esan North-East and Esan South-East Federal Constituency, Rt Hon. Friday Itulah, examined “Budgeting and Implementation versus Constituency Projects.”
Itulah urged constituents to better understand the legislative process and clearly distinguish between the responsibilities of lawmakers and those of the executive arm of government.

Stakeholders also called for increased investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, youth empowerment, job creation, infrastructure, and security.
Senator Ikpea reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Edo Central is strongly represented at the National Assembly, assuring constituents that their welfare, interests, and development remain central to his legislative agenda.