Great Souls Rise Above: Thank You, Uhunmwode ......"What unites us as family is stronger than what divides us as views. Let us choose family. Let us bury hate. Let us refuse division", Dr Osifo Washington

Great Souls Rise Above: Thank You, Uhunmwode

......"What unites us as family is stronger than what divides us as views. Let us choose family. Let us bury hate. Let us refuse division", Dr Osifo Washington 

This was contained in a Thank You Uhunmwode, titled "Great Soul Rise Above" personally signed by Osifo, Osa Washington, Ph.D. LL.B; B.L; LL.M; MPA; Ph.D, Comparative Economics and Development Studies; Ph.D Environmental Law in view. Lawyer, Political Scientist, Public Administrator and Policy Analyst. Dated Thursday, June 8, 2026.

My People of Uhunmwode,  

My Fathers, My Mothers, My Brothers, My Sisters,

Three nights ago, His Excellency, Mr. Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, approved my nomination as Commissioner-Designate of Edo State. The announcement came through the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq.

But Uhunmwode, listen to the language of that nomination. The government did not just name an office. It wrote a testimonial. 

It said I am “a seasoned lawyer, administrator, and politician with extensive experience in public service.”

It recorded that I hold qualifications in Law, Political Science, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, and Development Studies.  

It noted that I have “previously served the Edo State Government in various capacities as Commissioner and am widely recognized for contributions to governance, community development, and political leadership.”

And it concluded with this confidence: “Dr. Osifo’s wealth of experience and academic background would further contribute to the administration’s development agenda for Edo State.”

Uhunmwode, that is archival. That is history writing its first draft. And history only writes such words when a people stand behind a man. You stood. You prayed. You defended. You believed. This testimonial belongs to you as much as it belongs to me.

Since the announcement, messages have poured in from our APC Chairman, Uhunmwode Chapter, to our Federal Constituency Representative and Flag bearer, to our Council Chairman, to our Hon. Member, House of Assembly, and every leader and member of APC, Uhunmwode LGA. Different voices, one heartbeat: “We are with you.”

To each of you, I bow in gratitude. Thank you for the overwhelming support. Thank you for proving that home does not forget her own.

I acknowledge every prayer. I acknowledge every sacrifice. I acknowledge every show of love that said “Washington is ours.”

And I give you my assurance: I will serve with diligence, with conscience, and with the same commitment to meaning I have always brought to the table. The Governor has expressed confidence in my “wealth of experience and academic background.” I will repay that confidence with service that strengthens governance and delivers for our people.

But gratitude must become preparation. Uhunmwode, the season ahead demands a united house. From Mr. President, to our Senator, to our House of Representatives, to our House of Assembly, to our Local Government every candidate carrying our banner must meet a wall of unity.

What unites us as family is stronger than what divides us as views. Let us choose family. Let us bury hate. Let us refuse division.

As I live by: “When the hearth is warm, every child returns home. Let Uhunmwode be that hearth.”

Let our politics gather, not scatter.

I also believe: “A house divided argues over furniture while the roof leaks. A house united repairs the roof first.”

Uhunmwode, our roof is our future. Let us fix it together.

And this truth guides me:  “Gratitude is not a speech. It is a seed. Plant it, and it grows into service.”

Your support was the seed, Uhunmwode. My service will be the harvest.

To His Excellency, Mr. Governor, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo:  

Sir, I receive this nomination with humility and with fire. Thank you for the testimonial, for the trust, for the charge. The government expressed “commitment to strengthening governance through the appointment of experienced and competent individuals.” I will justify that commitment. I will not fail Edo. I will not fail Uhunmwode.

Let us move forward together. Let us win overwhelmingly together. Let us build.

With all my love and resolve.