The candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the forthcoming September 21, 2024 Edo State governorship election, Engr. Osarenren Derek Izedonmwen, has outlined a vision to transform the state’s economy by leveraging data-driven strategies.
The ADC gubernatorial candidate stated that the key factor that will drive his agenda is data. He said that he will commission a land resource audit in his first 100 days in office and that he will request for the report to be submitted to him within the first 100 days.
“The key thing we are going to be using in this our plan is data. We are going to be very well data-driven. I love data. I believe anything you cannot measure you cannot manage,” Izedonmwen said.
“So focus on data within the first 100 days of our government. I’m going to have it on my desk first of all. I’m going to commission a land resource audit and I’m going to request to have that report on my desk after a hundred days,” he said.
Izedonmwen, whose agenda focuses heavily on the commercialization of agriculture and export-led industrialization aiming to make Edo State an economic powerhouse, stated that his plan is to study every part of Edo State and utilise mineral resources that are resident in each senatorial district for the benefit of all Edo people.
He said his government, if elected, will study the whole Edo State, from the south to the north, from the east to the west to understand what mineral resources are therein but also to develop the agricultural resources.
“What can grow in Edo State? Can we grow rice? Can we grow wheat? Can we grow guinea corn? We need to know what every corner of Edo State can grow in those areas. Once we understand that, then we can also look at the conditions of the soil,” he said.
The petroleum engineer-turned-politician pledged to improve Edo State economy through agriculture and change the narrative of Nigeria being a consuming nation to a production nation by rejuvenating agriculture and agro-allied industries in the state.
He said the idea is to get more people to the land because, looking at the entire value chain of productivity in terms of empowering an economy or transforming an economy, the agricultural sector is a key sector to focus on, because it is sustainable and it is a key wealth creator.
Izedonmwen plans to establish policy banks to provide affordable long-term credit to farmers and entrepreneurs, fostering the growth of agriculture and agro-allied industries. He also emphasizes the need for significant investment in infrastructure, including roads, power, and water supply, to support these industries and ensure that products can reach both local and global markets efficiently.
His strategy also includes transforming agricultural produce into value-added products, ensuring that Edo’s agricultural sector feeds into a robust industrial base. By focusing on export markets, Izedonmwen aims to create a sustainable cycle of growth that can rejuvenate the local economy.
Additionally, he has highlighted the importance of adopting modern farming methods, providing targeted government incentives, and ensuring that Edo’s agricultural products meet international quality standards to secure stable and lucrative export opportunities
