Victor EzejaA group of business leaders called Corporate Nigeria for Asue Ighodalo (AI), has rallied support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the upcoming governorship election in Edo State.
The group, comprising investment bankers, investment financiers, infrastructure financiers, capital market dealers, legal practitioners and private sector leaders within and outside Edo, organised a fund-raising dinner for Ighodalo last weekend in Lagos, where the PDP governorship candidate also used the opportunity to highlight his plans for the state as contained in his manifesto themed ‘Pathway to Prosperity for All’.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIghodalo, a corporate leader and lawyer, said he’s stepping into the political arena to convert his great ideas into transformative action for the people of Edo State.
He said that when elected governor he would deploy his capacity, global networks and proven track record of performance to work for the greater good of the state.
Ighodalo disclosed his desire to consolidate on Governor Godwin Obaseki’s transformative policies in education, healthcare, agriculture and other key sectors of the economy.
“Given the enormous social and macro-economic challenges we face in Nigeria today, we cannot afford to gamble with our collective future and the destiny of our children by electing leadership that is incapable of addressing key developmental challenges with competence and vision,” Ighodalo stated.
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Ighodalo provided a detailed plan of action to achieve a prosperous future that honours the state’s rich heritage and actualises its full potential.
His agenda focuses on security, law and order as foundation for prosperity through police support, use of technology and value restoration; ensuring wellbeing for the people through job creation and provision of social amenities; economic growth through industrialisation and harnessing natural resources.
He promised that his administration would also focus on good governance through transparency and accountability in public finances and protection of the environment.
He also expressed his commitment to working for a full state and local government policing, provision of food banks, promotion of made-in-Edo products, boosting Internally Generated Revenue and ensuring clean and healthy environment, among others, when elected.
The PDP flag bearer in the upcoming election also promised to support the elderly, women’s rights, youths and students, children, traditional rulers, civil servants, farmers, teachers and other stakeholders of the state.
READ ALSO: Oshiomhole, Obaseki Power Struggle Resonates As Edo People Go To The Polls
Speaking at the event, Group CEO, EverCorp Industries, Eric Idiahi, described Corporate Nigeria for AI as comprising forward-thinking leaders who understand the critical role Corporate Nigeria should play in addressing the challenges of the nation.
According to him, the future of Edo and Nigeria depends on leadership that not only recognises but actively engages with the private sector as a partner in progress.
“Our businesses are more than just economic engines. They are essential to solving the complex problems we face from fostering sustainable development, creating jobs and driving innovation,” Idiahi said. “What unites the members of the group is the belief in Ighodalo’s leadership and understanding that good governance in any part of Nigeria has a ripple effect on the entire nation. Ighodalo is not just another candidate, but a leader who embodies integrity, humility and a deep commitment to public service.
“With decades of experience in law, finance, boardroom and public service, Ighodalo has demonstrated a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of Edo. But more than his impressive resume, his passion for people is evident in every aspect of his life and work. He will continue from where Obaseki stopped, and take it further.”
On his part, Governor Obaseki thanked Corporate Nigeria for AI for coming out to support the campaign.
He said: “This is to thank you very much for coming out tonight to support your own. Ighodalo will be a good governor. You know, he will perform as a governor, because he not only has the experience in terms of governance and building businesses. He has been part of the Edo project from the beginning, since 2006. So, he understands where we have been and how we got to where we are today.”
The governor appealed to the participants to help in raising funds required to support the Ighodalo campaign. He said funds would be required to cover election logistics, and ensure that party agents were mobilised to do their work effectively on election day.
Ighodalo thanked the group for its support and kind gesture, urging them to support his campaign with funds.
He said although he contributed significantly to the growth of the private sector, winning the Edo gubernatorial election would give him greater opportunity to impact over 5.2m lives.
He encouraged private sector operators to come up for elections, or support capable hands, to help steer the ship of governance across different levels of governance to greatness.
The guber hopeful said, “Our country is not going anywhere if we sit on the fence. We need to find the courage and funds to step in and drive governance.
“Governor Obaseki has laid good foundation in Edo, attracting $5.2bn to the state. It will be sad to allow someone that will take the state 50 years back to succeed him. I need your financial support to stop that from happening and to sustain the great works done by the present administration in Edo.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
