BENIN CITY: Toba Owojaiye reporting
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election, Asue Ighodalo, has vowed that if elected, he and his running mate, Barr. Osarodion Ogie Esq., would establish a government marked by transparency and accessibility.
Truth Live News gathered that the prolific Ighodalo made this pledge during a Town Hall Meeting with Edo State indigenes living in Lagos on Sunday.
The event, held in Maryland, Ikeja, saw an impressive turnout, as the crowd welcomed him with vibrant cultural dances in a carnival-like atmosphere.
Addressing a packed hall, Ighodalo expressed his deep appreciation for the overwhelming support and participation of Edo indigenes in Lagos. “Of all my Town Hall Meetings, both within Nigeria and the Diaspora, none has drawn more attendance than this one in Maryland, Ikeja.
“With over 1,000 attendees, it’s clear that the energy and enthusiasm of our people are unmatched,” he said.
The PDP candidate then laid out his vision for the state, anchored on his “Pathway to Prosperity for All” manifesto. “Our government will be transparent, open, and accessible.”
“We will be accountable to you, the people. If we are to achieve the transformative change we envision, we must establish a transparent and open-door policy for conducting government business,” he emphasized.
Ighodalo assured the crowd that his administration would prioritize infrastructure development and create an environment conducive to investment, adding that his government would have the financial discipline needed to drive such initiatives.
Appealing to the audience for support, Ighodalo stated, “The future of Edo State is in our hands. It is imperative that we unite, lend our voice, and rally behind this cause.”
During a lively question-and-answer session, he revealed plans for a balanced government structure with a 50/50 gender representation.
On the issue of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ighodalo promised to resolve existing challenges and reposition the institution as a top-ranking university in Nigeria.
He also affirmed that investors visiting the state would be directly connected to the governor or deputy governor as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to prioritizing business and investment.
Speaking earlier, the Chief Convener of the Town Hall Meeting, Apostle Jereton Oshodin, highlighted the selflessness of the Ighodalo-Ogie ticket. “They are not merely seeking positions of power but are offering themselves as servants to the people, partners in progress, and catalysts for positive change in Edo State,” Oshodin remarked.
The event drew several prominent PDP figures, including the Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Director General of the PDP Campaign Council, Hon. Matthew Iduoriyekemwen, and the wife of the running mate, Mrs. Osarodion Ogie, among others.
The massive turnout and enthusiastic reception of Ighodalo’s message underscored the strong support and hope that Edo indigenes and other supporters hold for this gubernatorial enigma.