PRINCE CLEM IKANADE AGBA: THE UNCOMMON MINISTER, BY ELETA PASCHAL

History, they say, has a way of favouring the BOLD. Prince Clem Ikanade Agba has epitomised this all through his illustrious career both in private service and now in public service.

He took the bold step of leaving his hugely successful private service career and plunged into the realms of Nigerian politics. He started by serving as a commissioner in the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, where he served meritoriously.

It is this giant stride of his that led to his nomination as one of the Ministers representing Edo State. Naysayers and doomsday advocates laughed and mocked him when he was posted to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning. They felt the ministry was not one of the “main” ministries and also felt that as a Minister of State, he won’t be able to perform.

The Man Prince Clem Agba, in his usual calm and gentle demeanour, kept quiet with the hope that his actions would speak for him. Prince Clem Agba has antecedents of turning stones into bricks, so he knew that regardless of the Ministry, he would PERFORM.

Advertisement

Prince Clem Agba rallied round our indefatigable National Leader in person of Senator Adams Oshiomhole during the peak of his crisis. Prince Clem Agba rallied APC folks both in terms of financial and physical mobilization to ensure that the party didn’t fold up at the peak of the tyranic tendencies of Governor Obaseki. At a time when many politicians back stabbed The Comrade and worked against the party in the state, he was the rallying point for the party.

Edo State has witnessed the birth of several Ministers since the advent of Democracy but it is a statement of fact to say none has had the kind of impact Prince Clem Agba has had touching the 3 Senatorial districts with several gargantuan projects visible for the blind to see and audible for the deaf to hear. This has made him the darling of even opposition members who have finally come to accept this uncommon man that has shown that leadership is all about service to the people you serve.

He ensured that under his watch, the Ministry ensured a predictable January to December budget cycle beginning with the 2020 budget, a feat that was sustained for four consecutive years. This totally changed the unpredictable annual budget cycle that the country had always witnessed since 1999. Development of the National Development Plan (2021-2025), which is a medium-term plan, and the Perspective Plan, christened the Nigeria Agenda 2050. Under his watch, the ministry also implemented the Grid 3 Technology, which deploys geospatial data for evidence-based decision making and promotion of effective coordination. This is just a FEW of his achievements at the national level while in office.

In the Edo Political space, Prince Clem Agba has invested both in human and physical resources and infrastructures. Prince Clem Agba believes that it is better to teach a man how to catch fish than giving him fish, though in his case, he teaches how to fish and still gives fish till you are self sustainable. His goodwill transcends beyond party lines. No wonder the revered traditional ruler of Auchi Sacred Kingdom HRH *Alhaji H.A Momoh* Ikelebe the third conferred him with the title of *Oduma of Auchi Sacred Kingdom* a title reserved for distinguished personalities.

Prince Clem Agba showed he is not only a technocrat but also a politician if/when the need arises. In all elections conducted during his reign as a minister, he delivered his polling unit by over a massive 95% for his party, the APC. He also delivered his Ward, Local Government Area, Federal Constituency, and by extension his Senatorial District. Prince Clem Agba, by this, has shown to be loyal party members that he is very versatile, and when trusted with power, he won’t abandon one sector for another.

Like they usually say, whatever has a beginning must surely have an end. As the Honourable Minister bows out of office, sons and daughters of Edo State appreciate him for all he has done. In a season where many make excuses why they could not perform and deliver, he found a way to look beyond excuses and deliver. No wonder President Muhammadu Buhari bestowed on him one of the countries highest National honours Commander of the order of the Niger (CON).

We await your next move, Sir, but rest assured that whichever way you decide to go, you would have a multitude of loyal and trusted lieutenants behind you.