With growing calls for aspirants to display their manifestos ahead the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Dr. Asuelinme Ighodalo has unveiled the, “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” manifesto during a meet-and-greet stopover with Edo State immigrants in Italy.
Making a stopover at the Reggio, Emilia via Cherubino Forzani, Reggio Emilia, Italy, on Monday night, June 24, at his first engagement with the Edo Diaspora Community, Asue sold his vision to people who were present as well as those who logged in via a zoom link.
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo at this event where he unveiled his manifesto, “Pathway to Prosperity for All,” Asue had the opportunity to launder his image to an international audience as he made reference to the document, which enjoyed great review on the blogosphere and social media outlets on release.
Ighodalo appealed for support to make his dream to make Edo State great. While interfacing with the Diaspora community, he stated, “Our idea of a pathway to prosperity for all is done with a view to plan and implement the next phase of our journey towards becoming a first world sub-national.
“We have to harness our God-given resources and the immense potentials of our people, and translate them into shared and inclusive prosperity for all. I believe it can be done. That’s why I am running for the office of Governor.”
The presentation was followed by a robust question and answer segment that highlighted issues ranging from security to infrastructure, economy, food security, diaspora commission, health, agriculture and other issues.
Asue Ighodalo’s Edo 2024 manifesto contents, which are itemized into four broad groups, are further broken into smaller subgroups or areas of focus, which enables feedback on identified gaps in society with an outlined methodology of problem solving.
The manifesto nonetheless brings people up to speed on pressing national issues. “The current state of the Nigerian economy has put pressure on the average citizen with the attendant feeling of helplessness, economic hardship and harsh living conditions. We will focus on improving the lives of our people by delivering high quality essential services including education, potable water, healthcare, sanitation, and food security. We will also ensure adequate support for those who need help in the short term,” according to part of the document.
Some highlighted key point agenda’s of interest in the manifesto include “Wellbeing” of inhabitants of Edo State. This would be achieved through provision of an affordable healthcare system, provision of a ‘Hardship Relief’ by creating good Jobs, good roads and electricity. It includes availability of good quality education, provision of potable water, women and youth empowerment.
Next is “Economic growth,” which aims to leverage on the competitive advantages to grow the economy and create wealth through increased focus on agricultural production, Jobs, made-In-Edo products, culture and tourism as well as enabling a buoyant creative industry (Movies, Music, Arts). Also is the focus on mining and small businesses.
On the issue of protecting “Our environment” for the future, the manifesto states that this will be sustainably grown through an erosion and flooding control system, through means of reforestation and provision of green spaces. Attention will be drawn to renewable energy and green micro-grids in order to build resilient cities which help to protect our future.
Talking about “Good governance” the manifesto addressed the issue of delivering quality public services, ensuring transparency and accountability through a motivated workforce and by listening to the people. Also is the pledge to fiscal responsibility, being accountable and consolidating on E-Governance, inclusive government and transparency.
For “Security, Law and Order” as bedrock and foundation of prosperity, the manifesto addresses the need to support the Police through adopting technology, community engagement, obeying the rule of law, restoring our values which ultimately ensures social stability and community trust.
Asue thanked those who were able to make it to the meeting for their time and show of love for Edo State and support for his aspiration, and gave his word, neither to disappoint nor fail them as governor, if elected.
His next stopover was at Manchester, United Kingdom, on June 26.
