National Democratic Congress flagbearer hopeful, Prof Joshua Alabi, currently on a tour of the Upper West Region has assured NDC faithful that the grassroots of the party will not be neglected under his watch as leader.

"I shall give power back to you through adequate consultations and the creation of opportunities to benefit every hardworking branch executive", he said.

Prof. Alabi started his tour with a meeting with the Upper West Regional Executives of the party.

He also met the Upper West Regional Council of Elders of the NDC, made up of some former members of parliament and Council of State members. The Council of Elders commended Prof. Joshua Alabi for declaring his intention to contest for the Flagbearer position of the NDC and indicated that such a competition is healthy for the growth of the party.

Prof. Joshua Alabi also paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief and Overlord of the Waala Traditional Area, Naa Fuseini Seidu Pelpuo IV and his elders at the Wa Palace. The Wa Naa and his elders recalled Prof. Joshua Alabi's tenure as Northern Regional Minister, praised him for his sterling leadership qualities and wished him well.

The Prof. Joshua Alabi campaign team also called on the Catholic Bishop of Wa. The team was received by the Vicar-General of the Bishop of the Wa Diocese, Very Rev. Fr. Cornelius Naah Bayirinoba, who impressed upon Prof. Joshua Alabi (when he becomes President), to pay attention to the shear nut industry in the region, which has the potential to transform the Upper West Region. He prayed for Prof. Joshua Alabi and asked for God's blessings and protection for him as he tours the region and nation.

As a product of academia and an accomplished educationist, Prof. Joshua Alabi held meetings with lecturers of some tertiary institutions in Wa, including TEIN Patrons. The lecturers welcomed Prof. Joshua Alabi as one of their own and encouraged him to continue with his campaign based on the germane issues affecting the NDC. They were glad that Prof. Joshua Alabi's message touched on their immediate and long-standing concerns.

Prof. Joshua Alabi then held meetings with Constituency and Branch Executives of Wa West, Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, Nadowli-Kaleo and Jirapa. The response from the grassroots of the party in these constituencies were not different from that of other regions. The delegates were excited about Prof. Alabi's message of putting the grassroots at the centre of his government and giving power back to them.

Prof. Joshua Alabi will continue his tour of the Upper West Region over the next few days with more meetings and interactions with Branch and Constituency Executives.