As part of activities marking his second year in office, Senator Neda Imasuen, who represents Edo South Senatorial District and serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, has announced his impending defection from the Labour Party to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Speaking with journalists in Benin City on Sunday, Senator Imasuen highlighted his legislative achievements, community development initiatives, and the rationale behind his political realignment.
Rejecting accusations of opportunism, the senator insisted that his move to the APC is strategic and designed to align Edo South with federal priorities under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “It is a calculated step to leverage federal alignment and bring more developmental dividends to the district,” he stated.
Senator Imasuen reflected on his legislative journey, noting that the first year of his tenure was hampered by prolonged court battles which eventually affirmed his mandate. Despite the setback, he cited several key achievements. Among them are two pending bills, including the Federal College of Education, Abudu (Establishment) Bill, which he believes will greatly benefit constituents through improved access to quality education.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions, he revealed that over 20 public petitions from across the country have been successfully resolved under his leadership. “These interventions have made a significant difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians,” he said.
The senator also underscored his efforts in promoting agriculture, a sector he described as the cornerstone of national survival. He reported that several agricultural programmes have been implemented in Edo South to train farmers in modern techniques and provide tools for enhanced productivity. “We’ve focused on rubber, cocoa, and cashew farming. There are testimonies from farmers whose yields have improved significantly,” he said.
In the area of youth development, Imasuen disclosed the execution of vocational training programmes aimed at equipping young people with marketable skills. “We’ve trained people in shoemaking, bag crafting, and leatherwork. Many are now running small businesses as a result,” he noted.
One of Senator Imasuen’s most cherished initiatives is a traditional birth attendants (TBA) training programme, targeting women who serve as frontline caregivers in rural communities. “There are no hospitals in many of these villages, yet women give birth every day. We brought in professionals to train the TBAs on hygiene and modern birthing techniques. It’s saving lives,” he explained. Participants also received starter kits and funding to support their vital work.
The senator also announced the award of scholarships to deserving students from the district, pledging to expand the scheme in the future. “We’ve only just begun. There is so much more to do in supporting the educational ambitions of our youth,” he added.
Despite his achievements, Senator Imasuen underlined difficulties in ensuring the sustainability of constituency projects. He lamented the lack of ownership by local government authorities, which often leads to the neglect or abandonment of facilities. “It’s disheartening to build a clinic only to find it unused because no one takes responsibility. We need stronger local government collaboration,” he said.
On managing his dual responsibilities at the national and local levels, Imasuen admitted it was a delicate task. “Edo South is a vibrant, educated constituency. They are very critical. But I stay focused on my core mandate—legislation, oversight, and attracting federal projects,” he affirmed.
Looking ahead, Senator Imasuen pledged to deepen democratic benefits in health, youth empowerment, and rural development. “We will continue to look at new ways to expand opportunities and bring real value to the people,” he promised.
When asked how he wished to be remembered, Imasuen said: “As someone who came, served with integrity, and always put his constituents first.”
He also expressed strong support for President Tinubu’s administration. “President Tinubu is working tirelessly to keep this nation on course. His policies are geared toward lifting the vulnerable and empowering entrepreneurs. I’ll continue to support his progressive agenda,” he said.
