Asue Ighodalo Declares for Edo Guber, Pledges to Deliver Solutions

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

A governorship aspirant on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo state, Mr. Asue Ighodalo, yesterday formally declared his intention to contest for the state’s governorship seat.

Addressing a crowd of leaders and party supporters at the party secretariat on Airport Road in Benin City, he said he was running for the position to deliver real solutions that can unleash the promise of a new future for Edo people.

Ighodalo noted that his ultimate objective in governance was to lead a government that eliminates deprivation in all its forms, and that makes Edo the best place to live and work in Nigeria.

He promised that the economic policies to be put in place will uplift the poor, support the hardworking men and women of the state, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

He listed the area of focus to include good and affordable healthcare for all, decent living conditions and basic food security, tackle insecurity in all forms as well as maximise the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Others according to him are: Development of infrastructure to facilitate growth by building and maintaining high-quality roads across the state, build rail networks across the three senatorial districts and continue the ongoing plan to develop and complete the Benin River Port.

“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, regardless of their start in life, can write their own story of success -if we take the right steps, together,” he added.

Ighodalo further told the crowd of party supporters that if given the opportunity, he intends to improve access to electricity and invest and replicate the success of Ossiomo Independent Power Project across the three senatorial districts.

He also promised to explore affordable ways of providing electricity in the rural areas of the state, as well as create enabling environment for business to thrive across the state.

The PDP governorship aspirant disclosed that his background that span both the public and private sectors, has shaped his understanding of the systemic challenges the people face in Nigeria.

 “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 hardworking men and women of this state, and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

“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,’’ he stated.

He expressed the belief that education is the gateway to opportunity, vowing to 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.

“If, by the grace of God and the will of the people of Edo State, I am given the opportunity to serve, I intend to be the Chief Welfare Officer of the state, providing good and affordable healthcare, decent living conditions and basic food security for all our people.

“We will also tackle insecurity in all of its forms. While an improved economy will reduce some types of insecurity, we will work doggedly to stamp out the more stubborn forms of insecurity, that continue to deprive our people of their lives and property.

“Ending insecurity will not only mean that we can protect our people, it will allow us to maximise the potential economic advantages of our rich cultural heritage.

“Under the guidance, and with the blessings of our traditional fathers, we will be able to leverage our history and talent to create the cultural environment that will drive a robust tourism economy — proudly and respectfully rooted in the very essence of who we are as a people,” he added.

Thanking the people for coming to grace his declaration in spite of their busy schedule, he assured them that over the past few months, he has moved around the state, speaking with the people and consulting with stakeholders from nearly every walk of life, and the concerns they have raised.

“Despite your worries, I have felt your enthusiasm and optimism for a better tomorrow. And today, in this defining moment, your presence here leaves me without doubt that our collective hope for a better future is within our reach.

“You never stop striving, you never stop showing up, and this – the unbreakable spirit of the great Edo people – is not just remarkable, it is truly inspiring,” he noted.