Politics Now...TIM OKOJIE AVE SPEAKS ON MISSION TO NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, ABUJA

As Edo Central looks toward the 2027 general elections with great hope, conversations around leadership, representation, and development have taken centre stage. At a time when many citizens feel hopeless  and disconnected from federal power and unheard in national decision-making, questions are being asked about who can truly give Edo Central a strong, credible, and a wonderful fearless voice in the Federal House of Assembly in Abuja.

Tim Okojie Ave, an international award winning  media entrepreneur and Publisher of National Chronicle newspaper, steps into this conversation not as a career politician, but as a strong long-standing advocate for accountability, transparency, and people-centred governance. Known for his investigative journalism and unapologetic stance against abuse of power, a passionate Esan man who had been  at the forefront fighting to ensure  Edo central produce a governor . Mr. Tim, as he is foundling called in the social and media circle, now seeks to translate years of civic engagement from the newsroom into legislative action at the Federal House of Representatives under the platform of ADC.

In this exclusive interview with World industries leaders magazine international online, he speaks candidly to about his motivation to run, his vision for his constituents in Edo Central, the failures and opportunities of past representation, and his proposed legislative agenda spanning youth employment, education, healthcare, media freedom, and constitutional reform. He also outlines how he intends to remain accessible, accountable, and firmly rooted in the interests of his constituents.

This interview offers insight into the philosophy, priorities, and preparedness of a man who believes Edo Central deserves more than silence in Abuja — and who boldly declares: “I will make Esan great again  like the era of Prof. Ambrose Alli. EXPERTS .

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 Q: Please introduce yourself to the people of Edo Central.

Well, I am Tim Okojie Ave, an award winning media entrepreneur, publisher of National Chronicle Newspaper, promoters of Edo State Quintessential Icons book and Transparency Awards, the National President of Esan ( Edo central)  Journalists Forum, a committed son of Edo Central. For years, I have used journalism to give voice to the voiceless, demand accountability, and promote good governance.I have been on the trenches for over two decades organizing one town hall meetings and the others on how to make Edo Central a mini- Dubai and to ensure that the senatorial district takes it rightful position in the comity of senatorial districts in Nigeria.And I can beat my chest and say today that the battle has been won . Naturally, against this backdrop and to further  ensure that  the governor  is assisted to achieve his campaign promises, I decided  to take the advocacy from the newsroom to the National Assembly.

Q : What motivated your decision to seek election into the Federal House of Representatives?

Well, I want to say that I was motivated after years of reporting on policy failures and governance gaps, I realized that lasting change requires direct participation.And that governance should not be left in the hands of never do well, otherwise you will not have the moral rights to complain when things are bad.I strongly believe that Edo Central deserves representation that is vocal, prepared, and fearless in defending the people’s interests at the federal level, hence my desire to throw my cap on the ring. This my decision I can proudly say have been applauded by many well meaning Edo Central people and my colleagues in the media that say I deserves the position because of my many years  of championing the cause of my Edo central people for decades.

Q: How has your experience as a media publisher prepared you for legislative work?

Thank you for this question.My experience in media publishing has not only trained me but exposes me to do research deeply, interrogate facts, listen to diverse views, and communicate clearly. These are the same skills required for lawmaking, oversight, and constituency representation.

• Brand Placement 

Q:What core values will guide your representation?

Indeed, the core values that will guide my representation include Integrity, transparency, courage, inclusiveness, and service. I believe public office is a trust, not a privilege.

Q: Why should Edo Central entrust you with their mandate in 2027?

Edo Central should entrust me with their mandate because I have  proven track records being at the forefront of fighting for Edo central over two decades to produce a governor of Esan extraction,and which by the grace of God has come to fruition, speaking truth to power, independence of mind, and a clear vision to convert representation into tangible development, not silence or symbolism.

Q : What are the most pressing challenges facing Edo Central today?

They are numerous but the critical ones are lack of portable drinking water, Unemployment, poor federal infrastructure, youth disengagement, limited access to capital, and weak federal presence in key sectors like healthcare, education, and agriculture,and insecurity.

Q :How will you address unemployment and youth restiveness?

I will address it through federal-backed skills acquisition programs, technology hubs, creative industry support, and partnerships that link youths to national employment schemes and private-sector opportunities.

Q :What is your assessment of past federal representation of Edo Central?

I will assess it with mix feelings.While there have been efforts, Edo Central has not consistently maximized its federal potentials. Representation must be more visible, vocal, and development-focused than outright political propaganda, and braggadocio without meaningful result.

Q : Which groups in Edo Central are often underrepresented at the national level?

The women, youths, persons with disabilities, rural farmers, and informal-sector workers.

Q : How will you ensure inclusive and equitable representation?

I will do that by institutionalizing regular consultations, advisory councils, and ensuring constituency interventions reflect demographic balance.

Q :What will be your top legislative priorities if elected?

That will be youth employment,  education reform, agricultural value chains, fiscal accountability and media protection.

Q :Which bills or motions do you intend to sponsor in your first year?

Bills on rural infrastructure development, youth enterprise funding,  and motions addressing federal neglect of Edo Central infrastructure and media development.

Q: How will you attract federal projects and investments to Edo Central?

That I can do through strategic lobbying, committee engagement, data-backed proposals, and collaboration with MDAs and development partners.

Q : What is your position on constitutional reform and restructuring?

To be candid with you, Nigeria needs meaningful devolution of powers, fiscal federalism, and stronger local governance structures to deepen development and stability.

Q : How will you strengthen accountability and transparency in governance?

That will be done by supporting open budgeting, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring legislative decisions are publicly accountable.

Q :What plans do you have for job creation and skills development?

Advocating federal funding for vocational training, digital skills, agro-processing, and creative industries tailored to Edo Central’s strengths.

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Q :How will you support farmers, SMEs, and local entrepreneurs?

By pushing for access to low-interest credit, extension services, storage facilities, and federal market access programs.

Q :What reforms are needed to improve education in Edo Central?

By teacher retraining, better funding for federal institutions, ICT integration, and scholarship support for indigent students.

Q : How will you improve access to quality healthcare?

By advocating federal primary healthcare upgrades, community health insurance schemes, and better funding for teaching and specialist hospitals.

Q :What policies will you support to protect vulnerable citizens?

I will support social protection programs, disability inclusion laws, women-focused economic policies, and child welfare reforms.

Q : How will you carry out effective oversight of the executive?

It will be done through evidence-based questioning, committee diligence, public-interest investigations, and refusal to compromise oversight for personal gain.

Q :How will your journalism background influence your approach to lawmaking?

I will ensures I prioritize facts over propaganda and public interest over political convenience.

Q : What role should the National Assembly play in protecting press freedom?

To ensure National Assembly must safeguard journalists, repeal oppressive laws, and ensure the media can operate freely without intimidation.

Q :How do you balance national security with civil liberties?

To ensure security must never become an excuse for rights abuse. Lawful security actions must respect constitutional freedoms.

Q : What measures will you support to combat corruption?

I will support stronger whistleblower protections, transparent procurement laws, and independence of anti-corruption agencies.

Q : How often will you engage directly with constituents if elected?

Regular town halls, quarterly constituency briefings, and continuous digital engagement.

Q : What mechanisms will you establish for feedback and accountability?

I will do that through constituency offices, citizen-report platforms, annual scorecards, and open financial reporting of constituency funds.

Q : How will you manage constituency projects transparently?

By involving community leaders, publishing project details, and monitoring implementation independently.

Q :What distinguishes you from other aspirants?

My independence, passion ,courage, communication skills, evidence of my pass selfless service to Edo central and a lifelong commitment to public accountability—not political opportunism.

Q :What is your final message to the people of Edo Central?

Edo Central deserves bold, prepared, and principled representation. I am ready to serve with integrity, energy, and unwavering commitment to our collective progress. I will use my representation in Abuja to rekindle  Edo central pivotal position in Nigeria, because the motion for the much celebrated independence, that took Nigeria from the shackle of slavery to the pinnacle of success was moved by an Edo central, person, late Chief Eromosele Tony Enahoro. Thank you for this opportunity.

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