Toba Owojaiye Reporting
Benin City, Edo state
The People’s Democratic Party PDP top aspirant in the 2024 Edo State gubernatorial election, Dr Asue Ighodalo has promised an even better economic development in Edo State if voted in as governor.
Barr Ighodalo made this known during an interaction with Edo State citizens in the diaspora community through a zoom meeting on Sunday.
The meeting which was attended by over 100 Edo citizens from about 15 different countries gave the top contender the opportunity to interface with Edo citizens on his basic economic agenda for the state if voted in as the governor in the September 2024 election.
Asue Ighodalo, addressed concerns about Edo Central’s perceived backwardness, emphasizing his commitment to comprehensive development.
He said “ I accept that Edo Central looks to be the least developed, but it’s not a major concern. It’s integrated into our manifesto and development plan, focusing on economic advantages, attracting investments, and empowering youth in factories,” reassured Ighodalo.
If elected as governor, Ighodalo outlined a strategic approach to leverage the economic strengths of each local government area and senatorial zone. “The task is to upgrade infrastructure, make local areas as lucrative as the city, and establish regional development teams in Edo North, Edo South, and South Edo Central,” he elaborated.
During his canvassing efforts, Ighodalo visited the revived Bendel Mills in Edo Central—a prime employer recently revived. “Recognizing opportunities in the maize belt, we plan to escalate poultry, piggery, and animal husbandry setups,” he shared, envisioning a significant boost to the agricultural sector.
“Edo Central , Edo north and Edo south can be a massive maize belt, supplying feed and flour mills. The vision includes backward and forward integration for sustainable growth,” stated Ighodalo, highlighting his strategic focus on agricultural opportunities.
The aspirant, drawing inspiration from India’s development over the last 8 to 9 years, dismissed concerns about Edo state’s capability to transition into a first-world economy. “I’m not worried; every part of Edo has the capability to move into a first-world economy,” he asserted confidently.
As part of his forward-looking vision, Ighodalo proposed the issuance of multiple diasporan bonds to finance development projects. “As a sub-sovereign, Edo, with its natural and diasporan advantages, will issue multiple diasporan bonds, seeking support for transformative development,” he declared.
Confident in Edo state’s readiness for transformative change, Ighodalo envisioned a cross-district development that positions it as Nigeria’s leading sub-sovereign in an advanced economy. “With the right leadership and focus, Edo is ready to take off, not just in the present but into the future—a cross-district development moving into an advanced economy,” he passionately stated.
“I am clear in my mind about Edo becoming Nigeria’s number one sub-sovereign, leading the way in advanced economic development,” declared Ighodalo, expressing his unwavering belief in the state’s potential.
Asue Ighodalo emphasized, “ I envision an Edo state ready to take off into becoming an advanced economy—I am not just talking about Edo today, but envisioning its prosperous future.” Ighodalo’s comprehensive and strategic vision reflects a clear knowledge of the problems, opportunities that can be harnessed and a dogged commitment to uplifting Edo state into a realm of economic prosperity and sustainable development.