Ismail Abdulazeez Mantu Reporting
Prince Joe Okojie, the Deputy Director of Finance and Administration for the Ighodalo/Ogie/PDP Council and former Commissioner for Agriculture in Edo State, has emphasized the crucial role of the diaspora in determining the next governor of Edo State.
Speaking to Truth Live News at a Campaign Town Hall meeting with Edolites in Manchester, Okojie defended Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s diaspora tour as the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial candidate for the September 21 election.
Addressing the importance of the tour, Okojie stated, “By no means, nobody can question the power of the diasporas. It is evident that whosoever will become the governor of Edo State must engage with the diasporas. We are not a productive economy, we are a consumer economy. By that saying, we have got almost 80% of what we consume, and what keeps the economy alive is from whatever it’s that the diasporas remit home from their earnings abroad.”
Okojie highlighted the widespread influence of the diaspora on the state’s economy and social fabric.
“It only makes sense that we respect them, support them, and let them know how important they are as far as the development of Nigeria and Edo State in particular is concerned. There is no home in Edo State that doesn’t have somebody in diaspora, at least one person. So it’s almost like a competition. We need to reach out to all of the diasporas, get them to talk to their families at home, and get them to key into the Ighodalo/Ogie mission and vision that is determined to put Edo State on the path of prosperity.”
He further elaborated on the strategic importance of diaspora engagement, noting that the remittances from abroad significantly contribute to the state’s economy.
“We need to ensure that things are done differently from the old order and that the gains achieved in the last seven to eight years under the current governor, Godwin Obaseki, are sustained and built upon. Our goal is to create a new Edo that will bring about prosperity for our people.”