By Afolabi Samuel Odunayo
As the September 21, 2024 governorship election draws closer in Edo State, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has vowed to train and provide thousands of good jobs for the people of Edo State.
Ighodalo made this known during a town hall meeting at Urhokpota Hall in Oredo local government area of Edo State , where he presented his manifesto, titled: “The Pathway to Prosperity for All.”
In his speech, Ighodalo acknowledged the economic difficulties, including high inflation and cost of living, currently facing Nigerians including Edo people but assured that he has the capacity to train and employ thousands in good jobs across the state.
The governorship candidate also said that plans were in place to enhance the capability of the State’s security trust fund and ensure the safety of residents through technological innovations.
“We will get security right, to protect the people in the areas of work, farm, trade, and traveling. We will also make use of the latest technology and equipment to prevent invaders into Edo state,” he stated.
Ighodalo further stated that he intends to improve the quality of life for Edo residents by supporting education through bursary awards, and making healthcare affordable with an insurance scheme.
Emphasizing his commitment, he said, “We will train our people in various skills so that when the government establishes industries, we will have suitable people to fill all the positions available.
“We will make health care affordable to all Edo residents, through a health care insurance scheme to cater for the aged, middle-aged people and children.”
He also revealed that he is committed to job creation, infrastructure development with 2,000 kilometers of roads, and the provision of equal support to all across all senatorial districts for agro-industrial growth.
“We will create enough jobs to lift people out of poverty into prosperity. We will construct 2,000 kilometres of roads across the three senatorial districts of Edo in my first tenure in office.”
Ighodalo further emphasized the need for regular town hall meetings and support for local government councils in a bid to sustain far-reaching developments and growth across the state
A part of the speech reads:” To ensure good governance, we will regularly meet with Edo residents, through town hall meetings. We will also support all the local government councils in the state, to assist them in bringing development to the grassroots.”
The Edo State PDP governorship candidate also highlighted his own environmental initiatives.
Ighodalo stated: “Our environment must be made clean, to drastically reduce flooding, erosion, and other issues that may affect the environment.
“We will ensure our environment is clean, and everyone must join hands with the government to make the streets of Edo clean.”
He stated that his reform policies would only be building on the achievements of current governor Godwin Obaseki.
Supporting Ighodalo, Mr. Osarodion Ogie, his running mate and Secretary to the Edo State Government, described him as a competent candidate capable of advancing Edo state, urging voters to support the party.
