The Edo State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, also known as AI, has unveiled his strategic vision and insights on driving sustainable development and progress in the state.
At a fund-raising dinner in Lagos, organised by Corporate Nigeria for AI, comprising investment bankers, investment financiers, infrastructure financiers, capital market dealers, legal practitioners and private sector leaders within and outside Edo, Ighodalo unveiled his plans for the state-themed ‘Pathway to Prosperity for All’.
He said he was stepping into the political foray to convert his ideas into transformative action for the people of Edo.
Ighodalo promised to consolidate on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s 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 provided a detailed plan of action for the state. His agenda focuses on security, law and order as the foundation for prosperity through police support, use of technology and value restoration; ensuring well-being for the people through job creation and provision of social amenities; economic growth through industrialisation and harnessing natural resources.
The guber hopeful stated that Obaseki’s administration has attracted $5.2bn to the state, adding that it would be disheartening to allow someone who will take the state backwards to succeed him.
“Our country is not going anywhere if we sit on the fence. We need to find the courage and funds to step in and drive governance.
“Governor Obaseki has laid good foundation in Edo, attracting $5.2bn to the state. It will be sad to allow someone that will take the state 50 years back to succeed him. I need your financial support to stop that from happening and to sustain the great works done by the present administration in Edo,” Ighodalo said.
In his opening speech, the Group Chief Executive Officer, EverCorp Industries, Eric Idiahi, said 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,” Idiahi said.
“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 him 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, “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.”
On his part, Governor Obaseki thanked Corporate Nigeria for AI for supporting the campaign of PDP candidate.
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.”