By Nefishetu Yakubu
Mr Asuen Ighodalo, a foremost Governorship aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says if elected, he will rejuvenate the economic fortune of the state to the benefit of all Edo people.
Ighodalo said this during his official declaration of interest to contest the September 21, 2024, governorship election.
Speaking at the State PDP secretariat along Airport Road in Benin, Ighodalo said the state would witness an all-round development if elected as governor.
“No part of Edo will be left behind. From the high plains of Kukuruku to the lush vegetation of Ilushi; from the rich, red sands of Sakponba to Esanlands’ incredible biodiversity.
“We have all that is needed to make our state a mesmerizing destination for progress and wealth.
“Across each administrative zone, in Edo North, Edo Central and Edo South, we will create practical and focused economic development teams that will harness each area’s unique potential to create wealth for all our people.”
Ighodalo, who until recently was the chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Nigerian Breweries, said “my policies as governor – if you will give me your mandate – will be focused on unlocking this promise, for all of us, in key areas.
“My ultimate objective is to lead a government that eliminates deprivation in all its forms and makes Edo the best place to live and work in Nigeria.
“Our economic policies will uplift the poor, support the hard-working men and women of this state, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation,” he said.
While saying the education sector would receive top priority, he noted “I believe strongly that education is the gateway to opportunity.
“So, we will continue to invest in education as a priority from primary schools to secondary and tertiary institutions throughout the state.
“We will ensure that our educational system becomes a beacon of hope, and ladder to opportunity. We will make Edo state’s educational system our key to ending generational poverty for good in our great state.”
The former chairman of the Edo Economic Alaghodaro Summit, who noted that with his 16 years of involvement in the governance of the state at the advisory level, he had identified areas of focus to achieve success with governance.
“These are the reasons am here today, with the greatest humility, to formally declare my intention to run for the office of the Governor of Edo State on the platform of our great Party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“And I respectfully seek the support of all Edo State people everywhere, male and female, old and young, those at home and those in the diaspora without whom true progress is impossible.
“Let us shun the narratives that seek to divide us, and come together, as one, to build the bridges that will lead us to prosperity. Let us strive to be the best, because only the best is good enough for us all.
“While, in the past, I have advised our leaders on how to resolve some of these problems, today, I am here to ask you for the opportunity to act – beyond giving advice – to deliver real solutions, that can unleash the promise of a new future for all of us.
“As governor, by the grace of God, my mission will be to create an Edo where quality education is accessible to all, where hard work is rewarded and where our talented youth can turn their dreams and aspirations into reality.
“I believe in the promise of an Edo where every person can write their own story of success – if we take the right steps, together.
“I am particularly excited at the opportunities that we will be able to unlock, to engage the passion and ingenuity of our youth, who are the shining lights of this state.
“My greatest desire is for their creativity and latent energy to be unleashed positively upon our country and world,” he added.
(NAN)
