Toba Owojaiye reporting
Benin City, Edo State
In a resounding display of charisma and vision, Barrister Asue Ighodalo, the PDP gubernatorial candidate, alongside his running mate, Barrister Osarodion Ogie, captivated an enthusiastic crowd in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
The Holly Springs Road, Marietta Hall, was parked full marking the first of a three legged Town Hall Meeting across the US. The remaining two are billed for Houston,Texas and New York.
The duo continued their global tour, engaging the Edo diaspora with a compelling message of hope, progress, and transformative leadership as they gear up for the September 21st elections.
Truth Live News duly monitored the engaging 3 hour exchange of ideas. The event, teeming with elated Edo indigenes and their friends, was a testament to Ighodalo’s magnetic appeal and the anticipation surrounding his candidacy. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as the man of the moment breathed life into the aspirations of a people yearning for change.
Ighodalo began by celebrating the remarkable achievements of Edo sons and daughters who have soared to great heights in various fields. He highlighted the global success of stars like Rema, Victor Osimhen, UFC champion Kamaru Usman, and Nollywood sensation Adesua Etomi. These luminaries, he noted, are shining examples of the brilliance inherent in Edo people, a brilliance that only requires effective governance to reclaim its rightful place at the summit.
Turning to the pressing issue of food inflation in Nigeria, Ighodalo didn’t mince words. He pointed out that, in his estimation, the cost of food had skyrocketed by 100%. However, he didn’t stop at criticism; he offered practical, value-driven solutions aimed at securing food production in Edo State. His approach to governance is one of pragmatism, focusing on deliverable results that will lift the state out of its current malaise.
Ighodalo expressed deep concern over the alarming poverty levels in Nigeria, where he stated that over 80% of the population struggles to survive on less than $1.90 a day—a stark indicator of the nation’s economic woes. Drawing from personal experience, he lamented the naira’s drastic devaluation, recalling a time when N500 could be exchanged for $1,000. This poignant anecdote underscored the urgency of restoring economic stability.
Addressing the issue of education, Ighodalo highlighted the staggering statistic of 18.3 million out-of-school children across Nigeria, while noting that Edo State had managed to keep this number relatively low. Nevertheless, he emphasized the critical need for continued investment in education to ensure that every child in Edo State has access to quality learning opportunities.
Ighodalo’s call to action was clear and compelling. He urged the Edo diaspora to rally behind his campaign, leverage their influence to sway voters back home, and—crucially—partner with his administration to invest in Edo State’s future. He illustrated his vision by citing the examples of Singapore and China, nations that transformed under visionary leadership capable of harnessing both human and natural resources.
Throughout his address, the audience was spellbound, hanging on his every word. When he concluded, the room erupted in thunderous applause, cheers, and a standing ovation—testament to the impact of his message.
Judging by the overwhelmingly positive response, both in the hall and on the Facebook live stream, it is evident that Asue Ighodalo has firmly established himself as the candidate best equipped to lead Edo State into a new era of prosperity and development. His Atlanta engagement was not just a speech—it was a declaration of intent, a rallying cry for all Edo people to unite and forge a brighter future together.