Ighodalo Reveals What He Will Reverse Once He Takes Over As Governor In Edo

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Candidate, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, has vowed to reverse the unfair treatment of the people of Akoko-Edo if he is elected Governor in the upcoming September 21 election in Edo State.

Ighodalo made this promise during an event hosted by the Akoko-Edo Development Association, also known as the Akoko-Edo Forum. He engaged in a two-hour discussion with Akoko-Edo stakeholders as part of their “Meet the Candidates” series, a platform for governorship candidates to present their plans for Akoko-Edo Local Government Area (LGA).

The session began with Ighodalo outlining his profile and achievements in the private sector, along with his roles on Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s economic team and Governor Godwin Obaseki’s Alegodaro economic team. He emphasized that his administration would prioritize security, infrastructure, and industrialization if elected.

According to a statement by Mrs. Mary Opii of the Akoko-Edo Development Association, Ighodalo addressed the issue of marginalization by saying, “I agree that Akoko-Edo has been treated unfairly, and I will address it under my watch. I’ll bend over backward to ensure no part of the state is left behind. I will make the creation of Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) from the present LGA happen, take this as a promise that must be done under my watch.”

He acknowledged the constitutional challenges of creating a new LGA but expressed his intent to work with the state House of Assembly to find creative solutions through LCDAs.

When asked for specific plans for Akoko-Edo beyond general campaign promises, Ighodalo committed that within his first year as Governor, “Akoko-Edo will have a functional university, and the LGA will be fully represented at the highest level through an inclusive government.” He promised to prioritize the provision of quality teachers for schools and announced plans to break ground for a University of Mining and Geosciences within the next few weeks, ensuring the institution commences operations promptly if he is elected.

Ighodalo also introduced the idea of returning some missionary schools to their original owners to allow better resource allocation and management by the new owners. He added that the EDOBEST educational initiative would be improved and expanded across the state.