By Simon Ebegbulem

BENIN—GOVERNORSHIP aspirant of All Progressives Congress, APC, and Chairman of the Economic Team of Edo State Government, Mr Godwin Obaseki, weekend, vowed to source capital that will be enough to develop the economy of the state.

According to him, “My mission in life is how to get capital and use the capital to develop the economy because without capital you cannot set up factories and industries to employ people.”

He spoke at the end of year party held by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, in Benin City.

Obaseki, who is seen by many as Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s anointed candidate for the 2016 governorship race, was apparently reacting to insinuations in the state that he may mortgage the future of the state to his friends like business mogul, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and others if he emerges governor of the state.

He said: “My area of specialization is capitalism. And I was born into a capitalist system and it is also the system of governance of Edo State people right from time immemorial and I don’t know when the socialism entered the system.

“For me, I always make sure that everywhere I go in the world, because I am a council member of the Nigeria Stock Exchange, I try to make friends.

“I did not know Aliko Dangote before. It was when I became a member of the council of the Stock Exchange and observed what was happening that I met with Aliko Dangote to advise him not to be indifferent to what was happening at the stock market because if the market fell, it would affect him adversely because he has the largest number of companies in the country.That was the beginning of our relationship.

“I was about 29 years old when I helped a renowned chief in Edo State to set up a bank. I have helped many people set up banks. Some of the banks are today not in existence. Even one of the giant telecommunication companies I helped in setting it up. My influence in life is how to get capital and use the capital to develop the economy of Edo State.”