The Esan Youth For Good Governance and Social Justice has honoured Evangelist Comrade Francis Akhigbe, the immediate past Acting Chairman of the Edo State Local Government Service Commission and Commissioner representing Edo Central Senatorial District in the Commission with an Award of Excellence in Good Governance, in recognition of his steady leadership and commitment to public service.
The ceremony which was held on Tuesday, 25 November at Illeh, Ekpoma during the manhood ceremony of his elder brother, Mr. Gabriel Akhigbe, brought together community leaders, political leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), socio-cultural groups and government representatives who praised Comrade Akhigbe for setting a strong example in transparent and accountable administration during the period he acted as Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission.
Presenting the award, the Executive Director of Esan Youth For Good Governance and Social Justice, Comrade Benson Odia highlighted Akhigbe’s record of responsible and prudent resource management, community engagement and practical reforms that improved service delivery during the period he acted as Chairman of the Commission.
Comrade Odia noted that Comrade Akhigbe inherited 7 Millon Naira on assumption of office as Chairman of the Commission and while leaving he handed over the sum of 75 Million Naira after six months. He noted that his leadership has helped strengthen public trust and move local development efforts forward.
In his response while receiving the award, Comrade Francis Akhigbe thanked the organisers for the recognition and dedicated the award to God and the Deputy State Chairman of the ruling APC in the state, Hon. Comr. Syvelster Aigboboh. He pointed out that the honour reflects a shared effort and promised to continue working with stakeholders to expand opportunities, support growth, and maintain high standards of governance.
“I followed due process. Actually, I met 7 Million in the account and when I was leaving, I left N75M. People were asking how did it happen? I told them it was prudent management of resources, I never wanted to satisfy myself. I want to thank God that there were some friends within the Local Government Councils that believed in what I was doing, they were very, very loyal. I would not want to mention names, God knows them and God will bless all of them.
I will dedicate this award to two people, one spiritual and one temporal. First, I dedicate this award to God Almighty, the author and finisher of our faith, who by his infinity mercy am alive today to receive it. Him alone be all the glory.
“Secondly, I will want to appreciate leader, a man who believes in my capability and capacity and said, please take this and where I am today was made possible by God and by man. I dedicate this award to Hon. Comrade Syvelster Aigboboh who gave me the platform to prove who I’m today.”