A foremost governorship aspirant in the Edo 2024 election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, has expressed his commitment to developing Edo in all ramifications if given the mandate to lead the state.
Ighodalo said if elected, his administration would strive to build on the legacies of previous governments in the state by leveraging the talents and robust sense of industry among Edo people to build “the state of our dream”.
Speaking in an address to journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the former Chairman of Nigeria Breweries Plc said he is the best man to succeed Governor Godwin Obaseki, having understudied and worked in the background with different administrations in the state.
Speaking on his disposition and determination to unite the PDP in the state, Ighodalo called on stakeholders within the party to bury the hatchet and work for the success of the party in the state.
He expressed happiness that all the feuding parties within the PDP fold are unanimous on the need for peace and harmonious collaboration to guarantee the party’s victory in the September 2024 governorship election in the state.
While describing himself as a bona fide Edo citizen from Ewohimi in Edo Central, Ighodalo stated that he was nobody’s candidate but one who is ready to bring his experience in the corporate world to bear in the governance of the state.
“I will leverage my experience as Chairman of the Boards of various companies to develop Edo in all its ramifications,” he said, imploring the voters to support his aspiration to govern the state.
The governorship hopeful said he was offering himself for service because of his desire to make Edo stronger economically, noting that there were several parts of the economy that could be developed to create wealth for the people and take them out of poverty.
He said that Edo State, as the heartbeat of the nation, should have good infrastructure like good roads, pipeborne water, good hospitals, good schools, and many others.
Admitting that it was a tough decision to have left the private sector for politics, Ighodalo said he was prepared for the rigours of the job which demands integrity and quality service delivery.
“I am here to serve the state and I can say I am the best man for the job. I hear people saying I am someone’s candidate, but I can tell you that I am nobody’s candidate. All I will do is to bring my experience to bear having been chairman of several top companies,” Ighodalo said.
“It was a tough decision resigning from those positions. I’m coming from a comfort zone and you put all of that down to say you want to do things for your people. I have the ability to do things for many more people having done for fewer people in the corporate world.
“All of the experience and connection I have had over the years would be brought to bear. I am committed and convinced that I can do it. It looks uncertain but it will be certain in God’s name.
“I pledge to give youths the opportunity to serve in my government because the youths have talents to build the state. Be assured that I am fully committed to the upliftment of our state and I will give my life to ensure that,” he said.
Responding to the question of poor infrastructure in rural communities in the state, Ighodalo said that no efforts would be spared at improving the quality of life of the rural dwellers through provision of socio-economic facilities that support growth and development.
