Red Carpet Welcome as Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo Declares Federal Constituency Ambition at Benin Airport

Red Carpet Welcome as Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo Declares Federal Constituency Ambition at Benin Airport

Habiba Sam

Benin City came alive on Friday, April 24, 2026, as Hon. Chief Dr. Abraham Jimawo (JP), the Ilunamie 1 of The Three Ibie, touched down at the Benin Airport to a rousing reception from supporters, family, and well-wishers.

The former Diaspora President of Edo Indigenes in the UK & Ireland was received with drums, dance, and chants as he formally signaled his ambition to represent Etsako Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.Leading the colorful welcome was Princess Loveth Awe Ewere, President of the National Afemai Women Leadership Initiative. She led a vibrant contingent of women who ushered their “son” home with a warm, rosy reception and a loving rendition of traditional songs. Friends, family members, and political associates also lined the arrival lounge, waving APC flags and holding placards that read _“Etsako Is Ready”_ and _“The Time Is Now.”_

Taking the podium amid cheers, Chief Dr. Jimawo began his address by paying homage to protocol. He commended the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for what he described as “outstanding work” across the state in less than two years.

“Mr. Governor, Sir, we in the diaspora community are proud of you,” Jimawo said. “From infrastructural development and quality education to enhanced security, agricultural transformation, and poverty reduction, your administration has delivered visible results.”

He also paid tribute to Distinguished Comrade Senator Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, hailing him as a “visionary leader” whose commitment to Edo North has produced leaders in both public and private sectors. The APC State Chairman, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, equally received a salute for what Jimawo called “quality leadership that continues to move our party forward.”

Laying out his mission, the aspirant was emphatic: “I stand before you today with one mission—to make Etsako Federal Constituency the envy of all other federal constituencies in Edo State and in Nigeria.Jimawo said he was seeking to return power to “the poor, the downtrodden, the voiceless, and the forgotten men and women of Etsako” who, he noted, have lacked strong representation in the current Assembly.

“We shall change the narrative. We shall deliver inclusive, responsive, and true representation at the National Assembly,” he declared to loud applause.

Pledging to bring “unprecedented and revolutionary development” to Etsako, the Ilunamie 1 of The Three Ibie said his nearly 40 years of international exposure would be deployed to attract global partnerships, investment, and best practices for the benefit of his people.

“The time for Etsako is now,” he said, closing with prayers for Edo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

As the speech ended, the women’s group led by Princess Loveth Awe broke into another rendition, embracing the aspirant and showering him with petals—a symbolic blessing for the journey ahead. Party leaders, friends, and family members followed with handshakes and photographs, turning the airport terminal into a carnival of solidarity.With the diaspora technocrat now back home and the grassroots visibly mobilized, Etsako’s race for 2027 may have just found a new tempo.