'I've Watched Some of Your Videos' — VP Shettima Praises Edo ALGON Chairman Sunny Ekpeson, Hails Gov. Okpebholo

Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his bold leadership, particularly his commitment to youth inclusion and his administration's determined efforts in tackling insecurity across the state.

The Vice President gave the commendation on Friday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when the National Executive Committee of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), alongside state ALGON chairmen, paid him a courtesy visit on the implementation of the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative.

In a remarkable moment during the engagement, Vice President Shettima singled out the Chairman of ALGON in Edo State, Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson, shortly after he introduced himself, showering him with praise after revealing that he had followed some of his public engagements.

"I've watched some of your videos," the Vice President told the Edo ALGON Chairman, referring specifically to a recent interview in which Ekpeson spoke passionately about the need to confront criminality and protect innocent citizens from kidnappers and other violent offenders.

Shettima described the Edo ALGON Chairman as "a vibrant blood with great potentials," applauding his courage, confidence and passion for grassroots leadership.

The Vice President also praised Governor Okpebholo's proactive handling of insecurity in Edo State, particularly the administration's resolve in confronting kidnapping and other violent crimes, noting that the governor's security interventions have continued to attract national attention.

The commendation adds to the growing recognition of Edo State's approach to youth empowerment and grassroots governance under Governor Okpebholo's administration

Beyond his commendation of Edo State's leadership, Vice President Shettima charged local government chairmen across the federation to champion the implementation of the Nutrition 774 (N-774) Initiative, stressing that improving nutrition at the grassroots is central to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda.

He directed ALGON to strengthen Local Government Committees on Food and Nutrition, saying they must become effective centres for planning, implementation, coordination and accountability.

"The commitment of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to nutrition is a governance directive. Strengthening every tier of government is the pathway through which that directive becomes operational," the Vice President said.

He maintained that national ambitions can only be fulfilled when they translate into healthier families, stronger communities and better opportunities for Nigerian children.

Shettima further urged local government chairmen to remain focused on addressing insecurity, poverty, youth unemployment and malnutrition, noting that history would judge public office holders not by the length of their tenure but by the quality of service they render.

Earlier, ALGON National President, Engr. Bello Lawal, reaffirmed the association's commitment to the successful implementation of the Nutrition 774 Initiative and pledged the support of all 774 local government councils in achieving its objectives.

The meeting at the Presidential Villa brought together ALGON leaders from across the federation, with Edo State drawing special attention following Vice President Shettima's commendation of Governor Monday Okpebholo and his glowing tribute to Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson as one of Nigeria's promising young grassroots leaders.

Agbukor Lucky Apeakhuye,
Media Aide to the Edo ALGON & Etsako East Local Government Council Chairman Rt. Hon. Sunny Ekpetika Ekpeson on Politics and Strategic Development