It has been two years of Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly which was inaugurated in 2023 following the general elections of that year. It was a milestone event that consolidated the hold of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Nigeria’s federal Legislature. Sworn into office that year along with his colleagues is Senator Ede Dafinone, a cerebral, confident and determined accountant-turned politician, who was elected by the good people of Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State to represent them in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly. The District comprises Ethiope East, Ethiope West, Okpe, Sapele, Udu, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, and Uvwie local government areas of the State.
Fondly dubbed by many as the Obama of the Nigerian Senate for his somewhat resemblance with the former President of the United States of America, Senator Dafinone came to office highly recommended. Not only is he a scion of the globally famous family of accountants – the Dafinone Dynasty- this Senator has equally distinguished himself in his personal career path before deservingly being conferred with the title of Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
His calm mien has not hidden his flaming passion to serve his people who have put their thrust in him. He, therefore, girds his loins to discharge his commitment to the best of his God-given abilities. Always on the move, he was all over his constituency in the buildup to the midterm anniversary (out of the four-year tenure) of the 10th National Assembly and of course, that of the President Bola Tinubu presidency of the APC, a political party to which Senator Ede Dafinone proudly belongs.
From hosting political party meetings to attending to several other political engagements in the interests of the APC; from hosting his constituents from all walks of life, to commissioning several constituency projects he facilitated; from identifying with his presence the social engagements of prominent members of his district to doling out rewards and incentives to people of Delta Central Senator District, Senator Dafinone proved to be a man of the people. The past few days and weeks were opportunities for him to again showcase his commitment to his people and solidify the value he has been bringing to them since he assumed office.
* Within this period, Senator Dafinone commissioned a brand new 500kVA/33kV transformer at the substation on 37 Dafinone Street, Sapele Local Government Area, a vital infrastructure upgrade that underscores his unwavering commitment to investing in critical public utilities and ensuring the communities he represents have the power and resources they need to thrive.
* In fact, same day in Sapele, he formally opened the upgraded Electrical Department at Sapele Technical College, which benefited from his commitment to strengthening education in Delta Central and to bridge the critical gap between classroom learning and real-world application,
* Not relenting in his quest to offer the youth development opportunities, Senator Dafinone unveiled three newly modernized ICT Centres at Urhobo College; Orhuwhorun High School in Udu Local Government Area; and Ogor Technical College in Ughelli North Local Government Area. According to him, this reflects his commitment to advancing education through technology, and equipping students with the tools needed to thrive in today’s digital world.
* As government at all tiers battle insecurity, Senator Dafinone lent his weight a fortnight ago when at his country home, he hosted the State Directors of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), led by their grand patron, Captain Anthony Onoharigho, for a strategic meeting focused on environmental security. He discussed with them about strengthening collaboration with other security agencies, particularly in light of recent kidnapping incidents in Abraka, where criminal elements have been using forested areas as hideouts. He reaffirmed his full support for the efforts of the NFSS towards leveraging its expertise to secure and protect Delta communities.
In addition this, he had earlier pledged to facilitate the proper commissioning of the police station built by Ovu community after he secured the approval from appropriate authorities following his persistent advocacy and unwavering commitment. Explaining the delay in commissioning the station, Senator Dafinone said that “steps are being taken at the highest levels to ensure the proper commissioning of the facility. The Nigeria Police Force operates with established procedures”, adding that he could not jump to commission a station without due process, a situation thee people of Ovu understand and appreciate in like manner.
* Talking about station, the Distinguished Senator also performed the official ground breaking for the construction of the Egbo Uhurie Railway Station, a project he facilitated and strategically located along the Ujevwu–Itakpe rail corridor in Egbo town, Ughelli South Local Government Area. The station is expected to become a crucial transit hub, connecting communities across Ughelli and its surrounding areas; easing the transportation needs of thousands of commuters and unlocking new economic opportunities while also driving local development, and strengthening regional integration.
* In line with his belief to deliver dividends of democracy to his people, Senator Dafinone delivered electricity to his Delta Central people as he recently commissioned two brand-new 500KVA transformers, one at Eregbe Quarters and another at Okpara Girls’ Primary School in Urhuerhi, Okpara-Inland, Ethiope East LGA. He then pledged that “step by step, community by community, we’re empowering lives, boosting education, and driving real development where it matters most”.
* In the health sector, Senator Dafinone is making his presence felt as equally about same time met with the matrons of Sapele General Hospital, who shared pressing concerns about the urgent need for renovations and infrastructure upgrades at the facility. He assured them of his commitment and support in getting the improvements our healthcare system deserves. The elated healthcare givers heard him stress that quality healthcare is a right, not a privilege and that he would endeavour, in his usual manner, to help ensure hospitals in Delta Central reflect the expected standard.
* Just a few days ago, the Senator appreciated the incredible commitment, energy and continued support of the Youth Coordinators of the Ede Dafinone Campaign Organization (EDCO) as he handed out ₦50,000 to each of them, vowing not too leave behind anyone in a movement during which everyone is seen and supported.
* This is addition to the recent Meet-and-Greet event that he hosted in Abuja during which he discussed human capital development with a wide section of his Urhobo kinsmen who were pleasantly surprised at his continued determination to unite them and avail them of growth and development opportunities that can foster and drive progress for Delta Central Senatorial District.
The critical interventions of Senator Dafinone in bringing development to his Delta Central and empowering his constituents go a long way in proving how this #ProudlyUrhobo Senator, following in the tradition of of a distinguished global Dafinone dynasty, is leaving indelible marks on the tracks of political representation. Not only does he do what he promises, he let it be known that more is on the way. For his many constituents who testify to this, it is unequivocal that they are coasting the waves with the Midas touch of a Senator Ede Dafinone, who is watching their backs and bringing home the goodies.
