The Uromi Township Hall was bustling with activity on Thursday as thousands of Esan women gathered to welcome outgoing First Lady Betsy Obaseki, alongside Edo State Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Maria Omonzele Edeko and Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, wife of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo.
The event marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the September 21 governorship election in Edo State.
Mrs. Obaseki visited the women of Esan North East and Esan South East Local Government Areas to express her heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering support during the last governorship election, which secured her husband, Governor Godwin Obaseki, a second term in office.
She praised the women for their indispensable role in the victory and took the opportunity to reflect on the numerous achievements of Governor Obaseki’s administration over the past seven years.
According to her, these accomplishments have positioned the current government as one of the most successful in Edo State’s history.
During the event, Mrs. Obaseki officially launched the women’s campaign wing of the PDP for the upcoming election, emphasizing the importance of the party retaining power. She argued that Dr. Ighodalo and his running mate, Osarodion Ogie, are the only candidates with the experience and capacity to build on the progress made by the current administration.
Mrs. Obaseki urged the women to remain loyal to the PDP and resist the propaganda of the opposing All Progressives Congress (APC), which she claimed was responsible for the hardships facing Nigeria today.
“Asue Ighodalo is the only candidate with the knowledge and capability to continue the developmental strides of Governor Obaseki and lead Edo State towards prosperity,” Mrs. Obaseki declared. “We cannot afford to hand over Edo State to those who have brought suffering to Nigerians.”
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Maria Edeko also praised Mrs. Obaseki for her efforts to promote women’s involvement in government and politics in Edo State. She highlighted the administration’s success in increasing the number of women in leadership roles, including positions as Deputy Speaker, commissioners, council chairpersons, and councilors. Edeko also shared details of her own projects, including the construction of healthcare centers, school rehabilitations, and the building of a police station.
Mrs. Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, speaking at the campaign launch, reassured the women of their continued inclusion in government plans. She outlined her husband’s vision for economic empowerment through agriculture, business support, and other initiatives, as detailed in his manifesto, “Pathway to Prosperity for All.”
The event concluded with the distribution of various items, including rice, wrappers, and caps, to the women in attendance.
Several prominent PDP leaders and dignitaries were present, including representatives from the Edo Central PDP, Hon. John Yakubu, Hon. Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, and Hon. Mrs. Susan Otekpen, among others. The strong turnout and enthusiastic support from Esan women underscore the pivotal role they are expected to play in the upcoming election