As the September 21, 2024 governorship election in Edo State continues to draw closer, various candidates and political parties have continued to intensify their campaign and reach out to the electorates with their programmes and agendas.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, on Monday, June 24, 2024 made public his manifesto which he entitled “Pathway to Prosperity For All”.
Dr. Asue Ighodalo in his manifesto explained that creating prosperity for all means making it easy for people to live, work and move around Edo.
“Our plan is to focus on building and improving the infrastructure that promotes the overall wellbeing of our people, while also investing in the requisite commercial infrastructure that supports each economic zone,” he said.
The PDP governorship candidate identified prosperity enablers as roads, power, transportation, markets, human capital development and support for women.
Though he stated ways and methods he intends to achieve these prosperity enablers, as the election date nears, Edo people will be asking questions beyond what is written in the manifesto to factual implementation and how all the prosperity enablers will impact on their lives.
The ‘Prosperity for All’ agenda of the PDP candidate is centred on five cardinal points: (1) Wellbeing of the people; (2) Economic growth; (3) Our environment; (4) Good governance, and (5) Security, law and order.
On wellbeing of the people, Ighodalo said ensuring the wellbeing, health and happiness of all Edo people is sacrosanct and these he intends to achieve through provision of hardship relief, good jobs, good roads, electricity, affordable healthcare, good quality education, potable water, and women and youth empowerment.
On economic growth, he stated that he will be leveraging the state’s competitive advantages to grow the economy and create wealth by increasing agricultural production, jobs, made-in-Edo products, culture & tourism, a buoyant creative industry (movies, music, arts), mining, and small businesses.
The PDP governorship candidate also highlighted his plan to improve the environment by protecting the environment and future through sustainable growth, erosion & flooding control, reforestation, green spaces, renewable energy, green micro-grids, resilient cities, and protecting the future.
Similarly, on good governance, Ighodalo assured of delivering quality public services while ensuring transparency and accountability through a motivated workforce, listening to the people, fiscal responsibility, being accountable, consolidating E-governance, inclusive government, and transparency.
On security, law and order, which are the foundation of prosperity, he said he aims to achieve security in the state by supporting the police, adopting technology, community engagement, rule of law, restoring Edo’s values and social stability, and community trust.
Ighodalo, in his commitment to the people, highlighted the different categories of people.
Speaking of the elderly, he said, “We will continue to honour and respect your lifetime of contributions to our state. We commit to ensuring that you live your later years with dignity, supported by accessible healthcare, social services (including free public transportation), and community programs tailored to your needs.”
To the women, he promised that his government will champion their rights, respect their voices, and ensure their equal participation in all aspects of society.
“We commit to creating policies that safeguard your health, advance your education, and promote your economic well-being,” he said.
He told the youths and students, “You are the leaders of today, not the future. We will actively support and invest in your potential. We commit to enhancing educational opportunities, paying a bursary to qualifying students, expanding job training programs, and fostering an environment where your innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit can thrive.”
The PDP candidate promised in his manifesto that his government will nurture, protect, and invest in the growth and development of the children. He also committed to “providing a safe, healthy and supportive environment that allows each of you to learn, play, and explore your potentials”.
“Our special needs family, we will advocate for your rights and work tirelessly to ensure your full inclusion in every aspect of society. We commit to removing barriers that hinder your participation, whether they be physical, social, or systemic,” Ighodalo said in his manifesto.
“Our farmers, we will recognise and uphold your vital role in feeding our state and sustaining our economy. We commit to providing you with the support needed to thrive—be it through improved security, access to modern farming techniques, sustainable practices, or fair marketplaces where you can sell your products at a worthy price.
“Our Diaspora, we will strengthen our ties and foster a deep, inclusive connection with you, no matter where you are in the world. We commit to creating platforms that enable your active participation in Edo’s development, recognizing the invaluable skills, perspectives, and investments you bring.
“Our religious leaders, we will respect and uphold your crucial role in nurturing the spiritual and moral well-being of our state.
We commit to engaging with you in meaningful dialogue and partnerships that foster peace, tolerance, and mutual understanding among all faiths.
“Our traditional rulers, we will honour your esteemed roles as custodians of our cultural heritage and pivotal leaders within our communities. We commit to fostering a collaborative relationship where your wisdom and experience are integral to the security, governance and development of our dear state.
“Our civil and public servants, we will continue to recognise and value your dedication and the pivotal role you play in the machinery of governance. We commit to providing a supportive work environment that enables professional growth and efficiency. We will continue to ensure fair compensation, continuous training, and career advancement opportunities,” he said.
He promised the professors and teachers that his government will honour and support their critical role in shaping the minds of “our future generations”, while committing to “fostering an environment that values education and provides the resources necessary for you to excel in your vital work” and continued investment “in your professional development and ensure that your compensation reflects the importance of your contributions”.
To the healthcare workers, he said, “We will continue to prioritise your well-being and advocate for conditions that respect and reflect the critical work you do. We commit to investing in your professional development, improving healthcare facilities, and ensuring that you have access to the latest technology and equipment.”
Ighodalo told unemployed youths that he will actively address the challenges they face in securing meaningful employment.
“We commit to creating and expanding job opportunities through economic development initiatives that target various sectors, from agriculture to the creative industries. We will enhance training programs that equip you with the skills necessary for today’s job market,” he said.
He promised to acknowledge and address the unique needs and challenges of the rural community, saying, “We commit to working hard to improve the quality of rural infrastructure, such as roads, healthcare, and social services, to enhance your quality of life and ensure equal access to essential services.”
He told the transport workers, “We will acknowledge and enhance your critical role in keeping our state connected and our economy moving. We commit to improving the conditions under which you work by ensuring safe, modern, and well-maintained public transportation infrastructure.”
Addressing unions and associations, he said, “We will respect and value your role as vital representatives of the workforce and various professional sectors. We commit to engaging in open and constructive dialogue with you to ensure that the voices and concerns of your members are heard and addressed in policy-making.”
He said his government will continue to uphold and protect the essential role of the media in fostering an informed and engaged public, while also committing to “ensuring transparency and access to information, enabling you to report freely and accurately on matters of public interest”.
“Our politicians, we will listen, be open, accessible and inclusive. We will respect the political order and enable the development of our party across all levels across the state. We commit to engaging in fair and constructive political discourse that prioritizes the welfare and progress of our state above all else,” the PDP candidate said in his manifesto.
“NGOs, CBOs and Civil society, we will recognise and support your indispensable roles as watchdogs, advocates, and service providers within our state. We commit to fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual respect, where your expertise and connections can influence and enhance public policy and community development.
“Formal businesses, we will cultivate an environment that supports your growth and sustainability. We commit to developing policies that enhance economic stability, provide incentives, and streamline regulatory processes to make Edo State the easiest state to do business in.
“Informal businesses, we will provide a supportive environment that enhances your ability to operate efficiently and securely. Our goal is to create an inclusive economic environment where every business large or small, contributes to and benefits from Edo state’s growth and development.
“Investors, we will create a welcoming and stable environment conducive to business and economic growth. We commit to maintaining a transparent regulatory framework that ensures clarity, fairness, and efficiency in all business dealings.
“Our LGA leaders and workers, we will continue to foster a culture of collaboration and respect, recognising the critical role you play in directly impacting the lives of our people at the grassroots level.
“Entertainment community, we will nurture your creative talents as essential contributors to our cultural vitality and economic diversity. We commit to supporting the arts and entertainment sectors through policies that facilitate creative expression, expand audience access, and foster both local and international collaborations,” he said.
Political analysts say the manifesto is well articulated as it captures the major components of development and accommodates all facets of society. They add, however, that as the election day nears, and as the candidate continues to take his campaign to the nooks and crannies of the state, Edo people will be asking questions on the “how”, i.e., the concrete plans on ground to bring the manifesto into reality. They say that what the Edo people will be looking out for, especially at a time the policies of the Federal Government have brought severe pain upon the citizens, is how the manifesto will translate into policies that put food on the table, guarantee quality and affordable education, accessible and affordable healthcare, and good roads for commuters to ply, especially when it rains.
