The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Edo State governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, popularly known as AI, has unveiled his strategic vision and insights on driving sustainable development and progress in the state.
He said the achievement of “full State and Local Government policing, provision of food banks, promotion of made-in-Edo products, boosting Internally Generated Revenue and ensuring clean and healthy environment, among others”, will define his tenure as Edo governor.
The PDP governorship candidate said he was stepping into politics to convert his great ideas into transformative action for the people of Edo State.
A statement by his media team said Ighodalo stated this during a fund-raising dinner organised for him by Corporate Nigeria
comprising investment bankers infrastructure financiers, legal practitioners and private sector leaders.
The gathering gave him an opportunity to unveil his plans for the state with the theme, ‘Pathway to Prosperity for All’.
Ighodalo believes that despite the state’s rich heritage, it has faced numerous challenges throughout its history, with the advent of democracy contributing to several efforts to restore its glory.
He promised to consolidate on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s transformative policies in education, healthcare, agriculture and other key sectors of the economy.
“Given the enormous social and macro-economic challenges we face in Nigeria today, we cannot afford to gamble with our collective future and the destiny of our children by electing leadership that is incapable of addressing key developmental challenges with competence and vision”, he said.
Ighodalo also provided a detailed plan of action to achieve a prosperous future that honours the state’s rich heritage and actualises its full potential.
The Ighodalo prosperity agenda, he said, focuses on security, law and order as foundation for prosperity through police support, use of technology and value restoration.
He promised that his administration would also focus on good governance through transparency and accountability in public finances and protection of the environment.
Ighodalo promised to support the elderly, women’s rights, youths and students, children, traditional rulers, civil servants, farmers, teachers and other stakeholders of the state.
He aims to build a more prosperous, just and sustainable Edo that empowers every individual with the opportunity to contribute positively to the common goals.
At the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer, EverCorp Industries, Eric Idiahi, described Corporate Nigeria for Ighodalo as comprising forward-thinking leaders who understand the critical role Corporate Nigeria should play in addressing the challenges of the nation.
According to him, the future of Edo and Nigeria depends on leadership that not only recognises but actively engages with the private sector as a partner in progress.
“Our businesses are more than just economic engines. They are essential to solving the complex problems we face from fostering sustainable development, creating jobs and driving innovation.
“What unites the members of the group is the belief in Ighodalo’s leadership and understanding that good governance in any part of Nigeria has a ripple effect on the entire nation. Ighodalo is not just another candidate, but a leader who embodies integrity, humility and a deep commitment to public service.
“With decades of experience in law, finance, boardroom and public service, Ighodalo has demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of Edo. But more than his impressive resume, his passion for people is evident in every aspect of his life and work. He will continue from where Obaseki stopped, and take it further.”
Ighodalo’s wife, Ifeyinwa, described his significant other as, “The most amazing heart I have ever met. He has overwhelming passion and love for people. He doesn’t have to know you. He doesn’t see class. Everybody is the same to him. He will do for the lowest as he would do for the highest. He gives and he keeps giving.”
The guber candidate, she added, applies his heart in whatever he does and has great commitment to supporting women and the youths.
“He wants the best for everyone. I am not allowed to say this, because I am his wife. But I agree that my people of Edo will be blessed to have Ighodalo at the helm of affairs. I should stop here, but I am going to add, to continue the very good work Obaseki and his wife have been doing in Edo. The transformation has been amazing,” she said.
On his part, Governor Obaseki thanked Corporate Nigeria for AI for coming out to support the campaign.
He said, “This is to thank you very much for coming out tonight to support your own. Ighodalo will be a good governor. You know, he will perform as a governor, because he not only has the experience in terms of governance and building businesses. He has been part of the Edo project from the beginning, since 2006. So, he understands where we have been and how we got to where we are today.”
The governor appealed to the participants to help in raising funds required to support the Ighodalo campaign.
He said funds would be required to cover election logistics, and ensure that party agents were mobilised to do their work effectively on election day.
