Chairman, Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, declared at the weekend that she would break the jinx and emerge as the first elected female governor in Nigeria.

Addressing party faithful, community leaders, youths and women in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Olejeme said her governorship ambition was virtually signed, sealed and delivered.

Promising to alter the political arithmetic in the state, Olejeme said: “I am prepared for the 2015 governorship race. God has programmed a woman to occupy the Delta State governorship seat in 2015. It is a mandate from God. He is going to put a woman on that seat come May 29, 2015. He will stop at nothing to ensure that I win the primaries and the 2015 governorship election.”

Stressing that what a man can do, a woman can do better, Olejeme said at the critical moment, other aspirants would support her. “No shaking. Other aspirants are my brothers. I respect the men but when the chips are down, they will support me,” declared the woman who is intent on succeeding Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

What remains, according to the NSITF boss, is her inauguration. “We will end this journey in victory in 2015. We will add value to the state. We will make Delta State better. We will provide sound education, basic health care facilities, potable drinking water, efficient transport, urban and rural connection facilities and other basic services,” she promised.

Olejeme, who was in Delta Central to map out strategies for the forthcoming elections, met with PDP stakeholders from Delta Central political zone and You and I Coordinators in the 25 local government areas.

Also during the weekend, prominent Urhobo leaders named Olejeme as their choice for the 2015 governorship election. “Olejeme remains the most credible candidate from Delta North. She is a reliable leader and has all it takes to lead Delta State to success,” the leaders said.

Reading from a prepared text on behalf of Uvwie leaders, Comrade Chidi Udensi said Olejeme’s handling of the affairs of NSITF was an indication that she would better the lot of Deltans if elected governor.

“Olejeme has the pedigree required to make a good governor. If she could diligently develop NSITF, a fit that has been commended by political and economic leaders in Nigeria and abroad, she should be given the opportunity to use her wealth of experience to lead the state to the Promised Land,” he said.

They urged Delta North political and community leaders to unite, set aside their political differences and support Olejeme. They also appealed to Itsekiri, Ijaw and Isoko leaders to support her.

Responding, Olejeme promised to address Urhobo interest in the next political dispensation. “You will have a say in the running of government. It will be a government of the people, by the people and for the people,” she promised.

In attendance were Chief Udensi, Ighomrore Tony, Obilobi Joseph, John Uyarogho, Patience Onokeate, Kingsley Abugewa, Patricia Idjerhe, Dafe Obakponuta, Emmanuel Taire, Ejoke Idesoh, Ighomrore Victor, Charity Ileleji and Anthony Emewakeme.

Others included Chief Famous Enuiroro, Chief Queen Ologitere, Chief Kate Esigie, Ejiro Esuovwa, Igho Oruke, Chief Michael Eshenake, Moses Emabamike, Success Satini, Frank Abugewa, Wilson Jokoh, Dada Alamudo and Elohor Kimini.

Meanwhile, top political leaders in Ughelli South Local Government Area Friday took a decision to mobilise their people for Dr. Olejeme. In a meeting with Olejeme in Otu Jeremi, headquarters of Ughelli South LGA, the leaders said they could not afford to stand by and not support a worthy cause.

“We believe this can further benefit us the more having seen what she has been able to do for us under the able and achieving administration of President Goodluck Jonathan,” former Vice Chairman of Ughelli South Local Government Area, Chief Francis Aguonigho, said.

Using such indices as network of influence, state-wide acceptability, human and material resources and others, the leaders said Olejeme’s governorship was an idea whose time had come.

They also reaffirmed their position on power shift come 2015, praising the aspirant for her efforts at charting a new course for the state.

“She has the ability to run an administration that will carry every interest along. She has a well-articulated programme,” they said.

Olejeme in her response commended the leaders for endorsing her, saying: “I am humbled by the confidence reposed in my leadership. By the Grace of God, we will advance toward our vision of a united, prosperous and peaceful Delta State. I will provide quality leadership for all.”

She also promised to mobilise the greater majority for development. Her words: “We will create stability through the promotion of harmonious ethnic co-existence. We will give our elders a pride of place. We will provide good roads, water and employment. We will revitalise state industries and attract more industries. We will give security attention.”

•Photo shows Delta State governorship aspirant, Ngozi Olejeme.

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