*Akpata pledges to recalibrate state

*Ighodalo vows to propel Edo into prosperity

*Izedonmwen promises to revitalize rural Edo

By Juliet Umeh

The race for Edo State governorship, weekend, got keener with some leading candidates unveiling their ambitious visions for the state, if elected.

They spoke at a town hall meeting in Lagos organized by Unuedo, a prominent association of Edo State professionals. The event was a platform for the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Asue Ighodalo; Mr Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party, LP; Engr. Osarenren Izedonmwen of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, to present their strategies for steering Edo State toward a brighter future.

The absence of the All Progressives Congress, APC Candidate, Senator Monday Okpebhole, was conspicuous as the trio proposed bold solutions to the state’s pressing challenges.

How I’ll recalibrating Edo – Akpata

The LP Candidate, Mr. Akpata, a distinguished lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, vowed to recalibrate Edo State’s governance, with a focus on putting the people first. Akpata highlighted the urgent need to address the state’s economic decline and restore the people’s voice in governance.

“Edo needs recalibration. We must reorder our priorities to focus on the people,” Akpata asserted.

He committed to lifting citizens out of poverty by creating broad opportunities for success and ensuring every individual has a chance to thrive.

His plans include overhauling the educational system, enhancing infrastructure, and integrating technology into the curriculum to prepare students for the future. “Our children deserve the best education, and our teachers must be well-trained and supported,” he added.

My goal is lifting Edo into prosperity – Ighodalo

PDP’s Ighodalo, articulated a vision to transform Edo State into a prosperous, first-world sub-national entity. He emphasized the importance of strong leadership in driving Nigeria’s development with Edo State setting the standard.

“My primary objective is to take Edo people out of poverty and into prosperity,” he said and outlined plans to enhance basic amenities, revitalize the agricultural sector, and promote an environment of fairness, equity, and justice.

Stressing the need for targeted investments in education and healthcare, Ighodalo said, “we must prioritize education and health if we want to compete globally and secure our future.”

Revitalizing Rural Edo is key – Izedonmwen

ADC’s Izedonmwen, focused his campaign on revitalizing rural Edo, with agriculture as the cornerstone of economic growth. Izedonmwen proposed significant investments in rural areas to create wealth and improve the quality of life for residents.

“Developing our rural areas is crucial for Edo’s overall progress,” Izedonmwen asserted. He presented a comprehensive plan to double the state’s GDP within a year by empowering local farmers and driving industrialization. “Agriculture is key because it is the primary way to grow the wealth of a place,” he emphasized, advocating for a sustainable approach to ensure that wealth remains within the state.

Uniting for Edo’s future

In his opening remarks, Unuedo President, Mr. Nuhu Yakubu, emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, integrity, and transparency in the electoral process.

He encouraged the candidates to focus on the state’s development, particularly in areas like socioeconomic growth, business development, and ethical governance.

Yakubu highlighted that the event was organized to foster consensus on strategies for Edo State’s progress.

Moderated by Dr. Franklin Ngwu, the discussions aimed to extract commitments from the candidates to promote issue-based campaigns and ensure a transparent, free, and fair election.

Dignitaries at the event included Managing Partner Giwa- Osagie & Co, Mr Osayaba Giwa- Osagie; former Chairman, Ecobank Transnational Inc., Emmanuel Ikazoboh; Country Director Knight Frank, Mr. Frank Okosun; Managing Partner, George Etomi & Partners, Mr. George Etomi; Chairman Ikoyi Club, Mr. Tafa Zibri-Aliu; MD, PWC, Mr. Uyi Akpata and Chairman/DG BRACED Commission Amb. Joe Keshi among others.