The Benue Elite Development Network has tipped self-style human rights activist and public affairs commentator, Philip Agbese, as a possible replacement for Mr. Audu Ogbeh who is the current Minister of Agriculture in the Muhammadu Buhari cabinet.
The group made the call at an event held on Monday in Abuja where Chief Philip Agbese was decorated with an award of excellence in recognition of his humanitarian activities across the country.
The group particularly hailed Agbese who has joined hands with other Nigerians to assist in curbing the humanitarian issues in the North East using so many NGOs and directly visiting the place when insurgency was at its peak.
Leader of the delegation, Onoja Ugwu, whilst singling Agbese for commendation, said the young activist with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Middlesex University, London is one of the best brains Benue can trust to represent her at the Federal Executive Council (FEC), especially in fulfilling the President’s promise to include young active youths who can take the country forward.
According to the group, Agbese is a master-strategist that has aligned himself with President Buhari’s Change phenomenon and most suitable for the appointment.
In his reaction, Agbese thanked God for the opportunity and the group for the recognition.
He said: “It has been our lifestyle to do it the way we do, sometimes we are appreciated and times without number we are rejected by the same people we are trying to protect in the society.”
He recalled his days on campus as an activist when while fighting for the rights of students in the area of hikes in fees when some will betray the cause and back out.
“it is normal for people to do things and not appreciated in the society but it is also normal for people to do things and be appreciated I think something in particular makes this one very unique.
“The fact that the Benue Elite Development network is a group of intellectuals and professionals from diverse backgrounds”
He said the award is not just well deserved but coming from the right group.
“I am totally flabbergasted to fit into the shoes of this award consideration ihave honoured people but this is the first time am being honoured in my life and it will remain a memory in my existence for a very long time”
Agbese further dedicated the award to his family, the staff of TheNigerian News Group who have been steadfast with him for the growth and stability of the organisation.
