May the Souls of the departed Rest In Peace and may God grant the families they left behind, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

You can't talk about Human Capital Development, without mentioning Governor Godwin Obaseki's name.
Kudos Your Excellency

Edo 2024: Ighodalo, The Sole Aspirant From Edo Central PDP.

By Mike O. Enahoro

bIn the best interest of the party, yet only the extorts are ranting...

On January 11, 2024, the Edo Central Senatorial District of the People's Democratic Party leaders on behalf of the entire members of the party, in consideration of the special situation, and political dynamics in Edo State and to avoid weakening but to brighten and increase the chances of Edo Agenda of Esan extraction, decided to come out in clear terms to adopt a sole aspirant in the person of Barr. Asue Ighodalo.

Since the consensus adoption of Ighodalo as the only aspirant from the Senatorial District by the leaders of Edo Central PDP, some mischievous politicians who think the opportunity to continue to extort these aspirants have been closed started ranting and unnecessarily heating up the polity as if they were really doing other aspirants any good or favour except their pockets. This article therefore, once again stands to critically analyze the good, the bad, and the ugly so that those being misinformed will understand that the action of the Edo Central PDP leaders is not just in the best interest of the Senatorial District but for the party, the aspirants and the people at large.

It is natural that when politicians present themselves for elective positions, they play all the tricks known to them and even deceive themselves to have the upper hand above and against each other. A party that wants to unite its members to be stronger to win the election will prefer to adopt a consensus candidate with all things put in the right perspective. It is only in exceptional cases that some political parties go to the field. I read a press release from an office that is supposed to be in charge of Administration now on matters as it relates to electioneering activity. I was like, a man who talks about legality should first ask himself how legal is his action when it solely took a decision without proper consultation and or has started again to usurp into the office of the Organizing Secretary who is in charge of election matters. I feel more saddened that an officer of the party who is supposed to be in charge of the conscience of the party and who should be celebrating the bold action from the leaders of Edo Central Senatorial District for helping the party to reduce an impending political divisiveness is the one heating up the polity. To that extent, I stand to deny for the officer that the press release is fake because the person I know holding the position is an informed fellow.

If I may ask, how many candidates is the party expecting to project for the Edo 2024? Of course, the answer is simple because it is just one candidate. Are we not aware that only one aspirant will become the party's candidate? A party that wants to win its election will do whatever it can to reduce anything that will divide the party after the primary. Unfortunately, except what we see and are being made to believe are party officers wanting to work for other political parties in disguise.

It is understandable that we are now in another political season where some extortionists are in the habit of extorting aspirants knowing too well that only one aspirant will pick the party's ticket in the end. They organize meetings upon meetings where different aspirants visit to inform them of their aspirations. In the process, these aspirants must make financial provisions to organize meetings and later drop money for sharing. Even when the party officers know that they will not support some of the aspirants, in the name of democracy, they continue to extort the aspirants. Edo Central PDP is saying no to extortion of aspirants. The leaders of the party on behalf of its Senatorial District, screened the aspirants and decided on one in the best interest of all. They gave all the aspirants the opportunity to sell themselves, showcase their respective capacities, prove their competencies and of course navigate the politics to have the backing of the leaders. All the aspirants registered and presented themselves to the Special Committee. Some stepped down in the general interest of the party and the good people of Edo Central. Some decided to undermine the same leaders they will need to pursue their ambitions. As I write this, some have not even told their Wards that they want to contest the election yet, have gone to Abuja to purchase forms. Then, the leaders after due consultations, and considering all the conditions and facts at their disposal, declared one of them as the sole aspirant from the District. This means other aspirants from the Senatorial District do not need to come and waste money on the party leaders anymore. The decision did not stop them however from going ahead with their ambition. It is more of an advice, they either take or discard.

Again, other aspirants from other Senatorial Districts who were not part of the screening can decide to visit the leaders of Edo Central PDP to prove that they are better than the one they have adopted. It is a continuous process to get the best forward for the party.

The truth is, it is expected that party leaders do their part to reduce financial wastage on the part of aspirants who do not even have it for themselves. Imagine how an aspirant recently insulted the importance of aspirations before the traditional rulers in the Edo Central Senatorial District. A particular aspirant called all the traditional leaders of about 22 Kingdoms together to tell them of his ambition. In the end, this same aspirant who refused to honourably suspend his aspiration gave the 22 traditional rulers Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000) for their transportation. Get me clear. I did not say 'each' or Two hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) but *Twenty Thousand Naira (N20,000).* I heard that the traditional rulers did the unusual. They returned the money and told the aspirant that he needed the money more than them. The first thing I asked myself was, what was the person thinking? I concluded in my mind that the aspirant is not living in Nigeria.

The truth is, anyone who is not applauding the action of Edo Central PDP leaders is an extortionist. I say it without fear of favour. All the aspirants were given the same opportunity. I respect and give honour to those who stepped down. To those who think otherwise, why did they not prove themselves only to run away from the screening? Whoever is ranting is feeling that the door of opportunity to extort aspirants has been closed. I would have expected that the State leadership of our party attempt to do the same thing to reduce the number of aspirants to also reduce the impending possible crisis that Edo Central Leaders want to avoid.

In the words of a former council boss, a former Deputy Governorship candidate of the party, and now a former Governorship aspirant of the PDP, Hon. John Yakubu, "majority of people who are angry that am stepping down are not even coming out to support me. They support and collect money from me in secret yet reassuring other aspirants of their support in private. So, who are such people really supporting." I strongly believe that Yakubu is a wise man full of wisdom. He is surely speaking from experience.

It is so painful that the same person who received an aspirant collected some millions of Naira, and has given full assurance of support is the same one deceiving other aspirants that he is playing neutral. I was discussing with a leader (name withheld) in the venue where Ighodalo was adopted as the sole aspirant from Edo Central PDP. This leader, I know him as a right man to one of the aspirants who is still in the race. You will be shocked by what he told me. "My brother, Asue Ighodalo is the best and candidate to beat," I asked him, why are you not advising our brother? He said to me, "My son, needless making any enemy for myself. In politics, you do not have to make any enemies for yourself. It is always difficult to advise an ambitious man against his or her wish." This is exactly the situation we found ourselves in.

This opinion is informed to advise some of the aspirants who still do not want to believe that the Edo PDP primary has been conducted in principle. The majority of those pushing them are only using them to cash out big. Their presence in the race makes most of those advising them expensive for negotiations. Again, some of the young politicians ranting feel that the daily, five or Ten or Twenty Thousand Naira (N5,000, N10,000, or N20,000) they are benefiting will stop immediately after they discontinue their aspirations.

Come to think of it, there are two principals in Edo State PDP. They are the Governor of Edo State, H.E. Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and the PDP National Vice Chairman in charge of SS, Chief Dan Orbih. Just as some people are already saying that the body language of Obaseki is showing and reading Barr. Asue Ighodalo, there is the opinion that Orbih is Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama's political godfather who has also shown signs of his support for Philip Shaibu. We all know that only these two elephants; Obaseki and Orbih can shape the politics of Edo PDP. So, if any of these guys are not openly backing you but privately giving you assurance that is not reflected in their body language, why not advise yourself?

I understand that some aspirants have received or still receiving donations and the need to justify not returning what they have or are getting becomes sacrosanct. I think it is more honourable to stop receiving more donations because we have three major aspirants at the moment; one each from the Senatorial Districts where Ighodalo leads from Edo Central, followed by Ihama from Edo South and Shaibu from Edo North. And by the time Obaseki and Orbih concludes their settlement in the interest of the party and the State, we all know the direction. So, why waste money for nothing?

Let me draw the attention of those who think they will use their ambitions to negotiate either for the position of Secretary to the State Government or Chief of Staff or whatever. The same party leaders they are ignoring will be expected to recommend when the time is come. So, is it the same party leaders they are not listening now that they will run to? Will these party leaders not think that if you cannot listen to them in humility, you will not respect them when in position? I have found out that in politics, any promise made as the last option or out of no alternative is hardly fulfilled.

The truth is, the decision of the leaders of the Edo Central PDP to come out with a consensus aspirant is good because of the complex political dynamics of Edo State politics. It will help the people from that Senatorial District to advance their bid for the number one political position in the State. When the necessary button is pressed, it will also help to unite the party more. The issue of taking it as bad by shutting up others cannot really count here. It is advisable we do not go into detail on that. The only ugly part of it is that some people are using the opportunity to divide the party. However, the advantages of the action of the leaders of Edo Central PDP are more than the disadvantages.

Let it be known that I am not under anyone's payment or influence. I am just an analyst giving his opinions freely. It is not personal. You either take my advice or discard them...That is how I move.

Edo 2024: PDP Edo Central adopts Ighodalo as consensus gov’ship aspirant.

…Special C’ttee to lead Ighodalo, introduce him to all stakeholders in Edo Central as sole aspirant

The Edo Central Senatorial District Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has adopted frontline governorship aspirant and former Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, as its consensus governorship aspirant.

The resolution was announced during the Edo Central PDP Caucus meeting chaired by the Senatorial Vice Chairman of the party, Archbishop Anthony Okosun.

The party’s decision followed the report of the Edo Central PDP Special Committee chaired by the National Leader, High Chief Tom Ikimi.

Archbishop Anthony Okosun, in a press statement made available to journalists after the meeting, said the Senatorial Caucus accepted the recommendation of the Special Committee and adopted Barr. Asue Ighodalo as the consensus aspirant of the PDP from Edo Central Senatorial District.

According to him, “The Edo Central PDP Caucus met today, Thursday, January 11, 2024, in the PDP Senatorial District Secretariat in Uromi. The meeting was chaired by the Senatorial Vice Chairman of the party, Archbishop Anthony Okosun in accordance with section 20(1)(a) of the 2017 PDP Constitution (as amended).

“The caucus in accordance with its functions as spelt out in section 20(2), considered the report of the Edo Central PDP Special Committee chaired by the National Leader, High Chief Tom Ikimi.”

The statement enumerated the resolutions adopted by the Senatorial District to include, “1. The Senatorial Caucus applauded the members of the Special Committee for the diligence and transparency they applied in carrying out their assignment.

“2. The Senatorial Caucus accepted the recommendation of the Special Committee and adopted Barr. Asue Ighodalo as the consensus aspirant of the PDP from Edo Central Senatorial District.

“3. The Senatorial Caucus noted that the adoption of Barr. Asue Ighodalo is without prejudice to the right of any other aspirant to pursue his or her aspiration.”

Okosun added, “The Senatorial Caucus mandated the Special Committee to lead Barr. Asue Ighodalo and introduce him to all stakeholders in the state as the consensus aspirant of the Edo Central PDP.”

PHOTO CAPTION

L-R: Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chieftain, Joe Okojie; past senator representing Edo Central Senatorial District, Sen. Clifford Ordia; Secretary, Edo PDP Senatorial Caucus, Central, Barr. Luckson Ogendengbe; National Leader of the PDP, High Chief Tom Ikimi; Edo PDP Senatorial Vice Chairman, Central and Senatorial Caucus Chairman, Archbishop Anthony Okosun, and Deputy Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Hon. Marie Edeko, during the Edo Central PDP Caucus meeting, in Uromi, on Thursday, January 11, 2024.

Deputy Governor Shuaibu Say No Appointment For Our Youths Wey Dem Dey Below 54years, If Him Become Governor ooo🙆‍♂️

Osata Osayogie Raphael

January 10, 2024

It is so sad and pathetic for the Deputy Governor of Edo State to vent or spill derogatory statements against the generality of the Youth on a National Television.Demeaning the great Edo Youths is totally ludicrous, inconsequential and irrelevant.He based his actions and reactions on feelings,emotions rather than using intuition and emotional intelligence to decipher between good and evil.When English travels, problem arises. He should note that youths are the leaders of tommorow.Deputy Governor Shuaibu should be schooled about the relevance of Special Advisers in relation to governance and politics.Being an Adviser in any level of governance is not a function of age.It is a function of competence, intelligence and standardized personality influence depending on your level of political engagement,relevance, pursuit and call to duty.I think he still has a long way to go by using analog ways of slandering/verbal vindictiveness rather than digital ways of engagements.Shuaibu say if him na governor, him nor go give pipo wey him senior Special Adviser.Our Oga na 54, so no space for pipo wey dey 53yrs and below 🙆‍♂️? Chineke meee😱

*Make Edo Pipo Wake Up And Concentrate On Person Wey Sabi @ Dr. Asue Ighodalo Esq*

Edo 2024: Ighodalo Intensifies Unity Move within Edo PDP As SWC Holds First Full House Meeting After 2 Years*
*By: Goodluck Osaretin*
In what looks like an uncommon feat, a frontline aspirant of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, for the Edo 2024 governorship election, Dr Asue Ighodalo, met with the State Working Committee yesterday in Benin City.
Though the meeting was held behind closed doors at the residence of Dr Tony Aziegbemi, the Edo State PDP Chairman, it had all the SWC members in attendance for the first time in 2 years since what looks like a near-eternally unresolvable factional crisis has bewildered the party.
Hilary Otsu did a brief introduction of all the SWC members present while Barr Nosa Okunbor did the same for Ighodalo’s entourage ably led by Hon Barr Akhere Ugbesia.
The party was enmeshed in a factional crisis shortly after Governor Obaseki won his reelection on its platform. The crisis got to its boiling point 2 years ago when the SWC got divided along factional crisis with Aziegbemi pitching his tent with the Governor’s faction while other members swayed their loyalty to Dan Orbih’s faction; and, this led to the party suffering the worst electoral defeat in 2023 general elections since 1999.
Several attempts have been made to settle the rift between the sharply divided SWC members through various reconciliation set-ups, but to no avail as they were holding parallel meetings countering each other’s decisions.
However, flashes of a truce began to be in the air when Ighodalo, in an ‘‘uncommon unifier’s’’ move, embarked on a relentless drive for unity within the party making it a priority if the party is serious about retaining power come November this year. This he has pursued across the 3 Senatorial Districts bringing all the aggrieved members to the unity pedestrian. His unifying effort yielded another masterstroke as the brutally divided and aggrieved SWC members gathered under one roof for the first time in 2 years to discuss party matters and the pathway to victory in the forthcoming election
Ighodalo is unarguably the only aspirant who has worked so hard to achieve unity within the party among others seeking to get its ticket to become the candidate. His message has been that ‘’if our party must win the election come September, we must be united to do so’’. He has also reiterated his willingness to support whoever wins the ticket other than him at the primaries slated for next month.
The SWC members thanked Ighodalo for his effort to ensure that unity is restored in the party to avoid a predictable defeat in the division at the poll. An anonymous hinted to me that only Ighodalo could ever make this meeting possible because it was like an oath-like decision for them not to see eyeball to eyeball under the same political meeting.
The meeting ended with the SWC members pledging to bury their differences and ensure victory for the party.
Answering questions from the pressmen, Ighodalo expressed satisfaction with the meeting saying it was a fruitful family one. He also re-emphasized his desire to bring economic prosperity to many others if elected as Edo State Governor.

This is great news.
#ObasekiFinishingStrong

This huge and a welcome development.
#ObasekiFinishingStrong

Edo State is on a fast progress train.
Kudos to His Excellency, Governor Godwin Obaseki.
God Bless Edo State

Please tell FG to approve it and we're good to go.

Victory is sure for Dr Asue Ighodalo, Special thanks to Hon Friday Itulah and Hon Kenneth Ahbulimen for their patriotic move.
#AIRising

These are commendable initiatives.
Kudos Your Excellency

*Obaseki felicitates with Edo people, Nigerians in New Year address*

*_... decries cult-related killings, commences investigation of criminal masterminds_*

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has felicitated with Edo people and Nigerians on the celebration of the New Year, 2024.

The governor, in his New Year Day broadcast, condemned cult-related killings in the State, saying that security agencies have commenced investigation of the criminal activities of cult groups.

He said, “My dear good people of Edo State, as we celebrate the gift of a new year, I felicitate with everyone, both at home and in the diaspora. We cannot thank God Almighty enough for his grace to have withstood the uncertainties and challenges of the last 12 months.

The governor noted, “The presidential elections tested the foundations of our democracy, while the very difficult and precarious economic situation tested our resilience as a people. In all of these challenges, which we have had to endure, we are glad that Edo state continues to make progress in our journey towards a better society.

Obaseki noted achievements of his administration in the past year 2023, “As a government, we have not been oblivious of the difficulties and sufferings faced by many of our citizens. We have within the limits of our resources provided palliatives to cushion the effects of these hardships.

“These include provision of food items to the most disadvantaged citizens in our social register; providing free public bus services within Benin City and between major cities in the state; payment of 13-month salary to workers and pensioners and the provision of free Wi-Fi in public spaces among other measures.”

He continued, “The state health insurance scheme reached almost 200,000 enrollees, thus further strengthening our healthcare system. As a result of the financing and quality control provided by the Health Insurance Scheme, we continue to improve the quality of our primary health care footprints and work is also progressing on our secondary health care facilities in Benin City and Auchi while work will commence in Uromi in the year 2024.”

“We opened up more job centers to train and assist young people to obtain jobs while we sustained the enabling environment for private businesses to grow. By issuing C of Os and land titles expeditiously, many more citizens were able to have collaterals with which to obtain credit.”

Governor Obaseki condemned renewed killings by rival cult groups, noting, “For most of 2023, Edo state remained relatively safe. However, in the last few days we have witnessed cult related killings. The Government of Edo state will not tolerate any acts that can breach the security which the state currently enjoys.

He said the State Government is working with security agencies to curb the killings, noting, “Working with the office of the Inspector General of Police, we have commenced investigation, arrest and prosecution of sponsors and those who mastermind cult-related killings.”

He said, “We are committed to building on the gains made these past years. We are also taking advantage of the dry season to assist the Federal government to repair its extensive network of roads in Edo State before the next rainy season. I acknowledge the resilience, doggedness, perseverance, and indefatigable spirit of our citizens who, in the face of daunting difficulties, continue to slug it out daily to earn a living, especially amid the current harsh economic realities in our country.

The governor thanked Edo people for their support for his administration, noting, “I want to specially thank Edo people for the trust, confidence and encouragement which you continue to show us over the last seven years. Things may be difficult at this time, but as you already know, tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

“Through the centuries, Edo people have always prevailed over their environment and difficult situations. This time it will not be different.”

He assured: “2024 is another election year in the State. While we must be deliberate in making our choices during the polls in support of the progress we have so far recorded, we should seek for a governor who is ready to sacrifice for the common good of Edo and Nigeria, and persons who have the skills, knowledge and experience to formulate and implement good policies that will move Edo Forward.

“I urge everyone, particularly the political actors, to ensure that they go about their activities in a peaceful and cordial manner. As we enter into the New Year, I urge you to reignite that undying spirit of resilience with vigor and hope and continue to pray for the unity, progress, and prosperity of our dear State and nation.

"Once again, I wish you a very happy and prosperous 2024.




*EDO STATE GOVERNOR, MR. GODWIN OBASEKI’S 2024 NEW YEAR DAY ADDRESS*

My dear good people of Edo State, as we celebrate the gift of a new year, I felicitate with everyone, both at home and in the diaspora.

We cannot thank God Almighty enough for his grace to have withstood the uncertainties and challenges of the last 12 months.

The presidential elections tested the foundations of our democracy, while the very difficult and precarious economic situation tested our resilience as a people.

In all of these challenges, which we have had to endure, we are glad that Edo state continues to make progress in our journey towards a better society.

As a government, we have not been oblivious of the difficulties and sufferings faced by many of our citizens.

We have within the limits of our resources provided palliatives to cushion the effects of these hardships.

These include provision of food items to the most disadvantaged citizens in our social register; providing free public bus services within Benin City and between major cities in the state; payment of 13-month salary to workers and pensioners and the provision of free Wi-Fi in public spaces among other measures.

The state health insurance scheme reached almost 200,000 enrollees, thus further strengthening our healthcare system.

As a result of the financing and quality control provided by the Health Insurance Scheme, we continue to improve the quality of our primary health care footprints and work is also progressing on our secondary health care facilities in Benin City and Auchi while work will commence in Uromi in the year 2024.

We opened up more job centers to train and assist young people to obtain jobs while we sustained the enabling environment for private businesses to grow.

By issuing C of Os and land titles expeditiously, many more citizens were able to have collaterals with which to obtain credit.

For most of 2023, Edo state remained relatively safe. However, in the last few days we have witnessed cult related killings.

The Government of Edo state will not tolerate any acts that can breach the security which the state currently enjoys.

Working with the office of the Inspector General of Police, we have commenced investigation, arrest and prosecution of sponsors and those who mastermind cult-related killings.

We are committed to building on the gains made these past years. We are also taking advantage of the dry season to assist the Federal government to repair its extensive network of roads in Edo State before the next rainy season.

I acknowledge the resilience, doggedness, perseverance, and indefatigable spirit of our citizens who, in the face of daunting difficulties, continue to slug it out daily to earn a living, especially amid the current harsh economic realities in our country.

I want to specially thank Edo people for the trust, confidence and encouragement which you continue to show us over the last seven years.

Things may be difficult at this time, but as you already know, tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

Through the centuries Edo people have always prevailed over their environment and difficult situations. This time it will not be different.

2024 is another election year in the State. While we must be deliberate in making our choices during the polls in support of the progress we have so far recorded, we should seek for a governor who is ready to sacrifice for the common good of Edo and Nigeria, and persons who have the skills, knowledge and experience to formulate and implement good policies that will move Edo Forward.

I urge everyone particularly the political actors to ensure that they go about their activities in a peaceful and cordial manner.

As we enter into the New Year, I urge you to reignite that undying spirit of resilience with vigor and hope and continue to pray for the unity, progress, and prosperity of our dear State and nation.

Once again, I wish you a very happy and prosperous 2024.

His Excellency,
Godwin Obaseki,
Governor, Edo State

Obaseki hosts journalists, hails contribution to State's growth, devt

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commended journalists in the State for their critical roles in the growth and development of the State over the past seven years.

Obaseki said this at the end of year party organized by the State government for members of the Edo State Chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ).

The governor said, “I am here to thank you very much because you have been one of the pillars of the success of my administration in the past seven years as you have driven us to achieve most of what we have achieved.”

“I don’t see criticism as a bad thing. It helps us check ourselves and what we are doing. You will have a stunted democracy if you don't have a virile press. There is absolutely nothing wrong; there is everything going for a strong, virile and critical press in a democracy. I am one of those who endorse all professional things you do. That is why you don’t see me react or angry about the things I read and hear but to reflect on those views expressed.”

He added, “In the last seven years, I have been blessed with people like you and all I need to say is thank you for all you have done for my administration.”

Noting some of his government’s success over the past seven years, the governor said, “We have so much to be grateful for in the last seven years. In 2016, the image of the State and its people was at its lowest as the confidence of an Edo person had almost disappeared. In 2017, the level of human trafficking and illegal migration showed we don’t have any hope and image was at its lowest. Today, we have re-established the Edo pride, restored our pride as the country looks up to us.

“In a democracy, the people determine what happens to them as nobody from outside can control Edo people. No matter what happens to Nigeria, Edo has a future.”

In his response, the Chairman of Edo NUJ, Festus Alenhke, expressed appreciation to the governor for his support to the journalists, commending him for connecting the press center with fibre optic internet infrastructure, enabling journalists to use free Internet facilities.

He said, “As a journalist, we balance our stories. That is why your media team has not had issues with us, refuting stories from us. We are also using this opportunity to present a compendium of the Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists. We have accredited them to distinguish between who a journalist is and others who are media workers. We have 261 practicing and qualified journalists in Edo State.”

*PHOTO CAPTION*

L-R: Chief of Staff to the Edo State Governor, Hon. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Governor Godwin Obaseki, and Chairman, Edo State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), at the NUJ Secretariat, in Benin City.

Edo 2024: Ighodalo not Obaseki’s anointed aspirant.

By Goodluck Osaretin

As preliminary preparations begin unofficially for the gubernatorial election in Edo State next year, aspirants have set in motion, consultations with stakeholders across the state.

Prominent among them is a frontline hopeful, Dr Asuelimhen Ighodalo, who is vying to clinch the ticket of his political party, the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP.

Though, the party’s primaries are scheduled to be held in February of 2024, not less than five (5) individuals have through body language, flashed their interests including the Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu who has openly declared his intention to succeed his boss in Osadebey Avenue.

It is yet to be seen if the PDP will maintain the principle of zoning, but, a drop-filled leaked information has it that it will most likely tilt its candidacy to Edo Central Senatorial district to have the much political balance of power rotation within the state.

Without any bit of doubt, it can easily be predicted that the PDP is gearing towards having 90% of its gubernatorial aspirants from Edo Central with only Shaibu coming out from Edo North. Anselm Ojezua from Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area has also declared to run, with feelers saying that Sen Clifford Odia will be joining the fray in the days ahead.

Ighodalo, one of the top runners, has taken consultations to his family in his Ewohimi community in Esan South East, and to the entire Edo Central, consulting with party stakeholders, youths and traditional rulers across the five LGAs that make up the senatorial zone. He is the only aspirant to have achieved this despite no official declaration yet.

According to him, ‘’ I believe it is important to take my aspiration to my people at home first for consultation to get advice, counselling and support before declaring to the general Edo people’’.

Ighodalo is a University of Ibadan trained Economist and a London School of Economics-trained lawyer. He has an enviable successful career with experience that spans private, public and corporate sectors.

He is a co-founder of Banwo and Ighodalo, a top-rated and reputable law firm with 15 partners and over 100 staff that specializes in taxation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate banking, and energy and natural resources among many others. He has practised law for the past 39 years.

Ighodalo has served as Chairman of many conglomerate boards such as Sterling Bank, Dangote Sugars, Heineken Nigeria, and Nigerian Breweries. He has also Chaired the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, NESG; Director of, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA where he spearheaded the completion of the Second Niger Bridge, the building of cancer centres and the initiation of the Abuja-Kano rail construction.

He also served as an active member of several company boards across various sectors. Prominent amongst them is Okomu Group, the producer of Okomu Oil. “Okomu is the highest profit-making private company in Nigeria at the moment,’’ he said in one of his consultations outings.

Ighodalo has contributed immensely to the economic development of his state, Edo, where he served as a member of Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s Economic Team for 8 years, and subsequently got appointed by Governor Godwin Obaseki as Chairman of his Economic Team where he has consistently chaired the Alaghodaro Summit, a yearly program, for the past seven (7) years.

He has now decided to bring his much-acquired wealth of experience to steer the ship of leadership as the Governor of Edo State come 2024.

Ighodalo believes that success cannot be achieved through shortcuts, it requires hard work hinged on dedication, discipline, integrity, and strong commitment to one’s chosen field of duty. This has also made him take his aspiration to govern Edo State to a wide range of stakeholders for consultations before formally declaring.

However, being the Chairman of Alaghodaro Summit has made a section of the people especially those in the camp of his competitors erroneously insinuate and place him as Governor Obaseki’s ‘’anointed candidate’’. A man who supposedly enjoys the Governor’s support will not be the most hungry aspirant seeking the support of party stakeholders across the length and breadth of the state.
Governor Obaseki has consistently reiterated publicly that he has no favoured candidate going into the primaries. Speaking to journalists last week at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the National Working Committee, NWC of the PDP to iron out some pressing issues with all the aspirants at the party's national secretariat in Abuja, Obaseki reaffirmed his stand of neutrality by pledging to support whoever emerges the candidate of the party. ‘’I will support whoever emerges the party’s candidate at the primaries…’’, he said.

A very close ally to the governor who pleaded to remain anonymous confirmed to me that the Governor has no preferred aspirant, and has not even made it known to them of such intention. He went further to say that Anselm Ojezua is the closest friend to the Governor amongst others.

Ighodalo has toured virtually every part of Esanland to seek support for his aspiration in the past 3 weeks where he engaged in deep consultations with the grassroots stakeholders cutting across the youth, men, women, and the association of paramount rulers – the Enijies. While none of his co-aspirants has been seen to have achieved this feat, he is scheduled in the weeks ahead, to take his consultations to other senatorial regions.
Speaking to some Edo youths about his ambition last week in Abuja, Ighodalo dispelled the rumour that he is the anointed aspirant of the Governor. He harped on his readiness to make the youths his priority to drive his desire to lead Edo state from the Government House next year. He emphatically confirmed to the youths that he has formally resigned from all his board appointments, those he chairs including his law firm to enable him to fully focus on the great task ahead.

Nice One, Dr Asue Ighodalo will win.

Elections between two aspirants who haven't gotten tickets?
🤣🤣🤣

Haters won't like this.
PDP is one indivisible family
Power To The People.

Edo State has now been placed on an enviable height due to Governor Obaseki's mastery of financial matters.
#ObasekiFinishingStrong

This is worthy of commendation, when Nigeria is through its moments..
Kudos Mr Governor.

What is the scam there?
That's actual what 13th month salary means... basic salary.

Happy Boxing Day, Your Excellency.
God Bless You Sir

This is Human Capacity Development. I love Governor Obaseki for always investing in training, so that people can develop themselves.
This partnership is revolutionary in nature and has maximum advantage to the students.
Edo to the world.

Congratulations to the three exceptional winners
Kudos
Thank you Governor for your recognition, which will further encourage other talents to put in more efforts.

Only Governor Godwin Obaseki can successfully pull this off.
If you aren't on Edo State Government work force, My dear you are on a loooong thing
.Thanks Mr Governor
#ObasekiFinishingStrong

Congratulations to the newly appointed Special Advisers.

Nobody's installing anybody, there will be primaries, as all aspirants will go to the field.
Anyways I'll visit your post next year after elections.
You're calling LP when you don't even know the candidate they'll field, it's about candidate now.

Up which image?
Governor Obaseki paid salaries 16th of December in 2022. He has always been prompt in payment of salaries.

Dr Asue Ighodalo's rich parental background..

Jeremiah Ighodalo (1922–2012),1st Ewohimi person to complete secondary school and get an Accounting degree in the UK & Folayegbe Ighodalo (Nee Akintunde) 1923 –2005, 1st Nigerian woman to be Perm Sec in Nigerian civil service (1968), were parents of Asue - new Chairman of Nigerian Breweries

Jeremia's mother was a Princess of the Ewohinmi royal family & his father was Ezomo of Ewohinmi. He worked at Nigerian Breweries, the Western Nigeria Development Corporation, the Midwest Nigeria Development Corporation, the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, & University of Ibadan

Folayegbe (formerly Felicity) was born in Okeigbo. She was initially educated in Nigeria where she obtained teaching qualifications in 1943 and taught until 1948.
She then travelled to London to study but obtained only a diploma from the University of London

In London, she was elected the 2nd female VP of the West African Students’ Union in 1953. In the same year, she was elected the founding President of the Nigerian Women’s League of Great Britain. She became 1st Nigerian woman to be Perm secretary & a director of Nigeria Airways

Courtesy: Uwagbale Edward-Ekpu

#AIRising #Edo2024

Edo State needs a man like Dr Asue Ighodalo going forward. #AIRising

Obaseki constructs 565 roads, over 737kms completed in 2023.

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said his government, in 2023, completed the construction of 565 roads, covering a total distance of 737.37 kilometers.

The governor, while speaking to journalists in Benin City, said the government, under the various streams of the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), also constructed 300 roads, spanning 212 kilometers across the State.

Obaseki noted that following the failure of the federal government to undertake the repairs of failed portions of federal roads in the State, his government has commenced palliative repairs on the affected roads, particularly Benin-Sapele, Benin-Agbor and Iruekpen-Sabongida-Ora Roads to ameliorate the sufferings of motorists and other road users.

The governor said, “We acknowledge the pains caused by failing Federal Roads in the State and have duly commenced palliative repairs on the affected roads, particularly Benin-Sapele, Benin-Agbor and Iruekpen-Sabongida-Ora Roads. As an alternative, we have also commenced repairs on the old Benin-Agbor Road, which will ease traffic on the new road.”

He further noted, “Over the past year, we have successfully completed the construction of 565 roads, covering a total distance of 737.37 kilometers.

“Under the various streams of the Edo State Employment and Expenditure for Result (SEEFOR), we undertook the construction of 300 roads, spanning 212 kilometers across the State.

“Notable projects include the construction of the PZ-Ehioghae-Okabere-Oka Market Road, which links Sapele Road and Upper Sakponba; the Irhirhi-Aruogba-Obazagbon-Ogheghe Road; Ugbor-Amagba Road; St. Saviour Road; Benin-Abraka Road with spurs; the dualization of the TV and Ehaekpen road, and rehabilitation of failed sections on various roads.”


Obaseki added, “In Edo North, we have successfully completed the construction of the Afokpella-Ogriga-Okugbe road with Awuyemi Spur, as well as the rehabilitation of the Secretariat Road in Igarra and several internal roads. In Edo Central, we constructed the Ekpoma-Iruekpen Road and the Idumebo-Ihumudumu Royal Market Road, among other impactful developments.”

Obaseki reforms: Rubber Estates Nigeria to build factory, expand plantations in Edo.

The Rubber Estates Nigeria Limited (RENL) has disclosed plans to strengthen partnership with the Edo State Government to establish a rubber processing factory, expand its out-grower scheme and facilitate reactivation of dormant rubber plantations for Edo indigenes living in the diasporas.

RENL, a subsidiary of Socfin, a leading global agribusiness company, manages a 10,000-hectare rubber plantation in Urhonigbe, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

Speaking on the development, Managing Director of RENL, Olivier Odoukou, said, “We are excited to partner with the Edo State Government to develop the rubber industry in the state. We believe that Edo State has the potential to become a major producer of rubber, and we are committed to helping the state achieve that goal.”

On his part, the Managing Director, Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Kelvin Uwaibi said, “This partnership is a major step forward for Edo State's rubber industry. Rubber is a valuable commodity with a growing global demand, and Edo State has the potential to become a major producer. This partnership will help us to realize that potential.”

According to FAOSTAT, Nigeria was the world’s twelfth-largest and Africa's second-largest producer of rubber in 2018, and currently produces an estimated 160,000 metric tons annually. Global and local market demand for natural rubber is high due to its wide range of applications in various sectors of the economy.

At an average of 60,000 tons per year, Nigeria’s export of natural rubber trails far behind the annual global demand of 12 million tons.

Edo is Nigeria’s highest producer of rubber, leading seventeen other rubber-producing States. The tree crop is grown in several local government areas across the State, including Uhunmwode, Orhionmwon, Ovia South West, Owan West, Ikpoba Okha, Esan Central and Esan South East.

Rubber Estates’ foray into Edo could also be boosted by the presence of the Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria located at Iyanomo, Ikpoba Okha LGA.

The institute’s presence in the State gives farmers direct contact to extension workers and agents who have enhanced their awareness of new agricultural technologies in rubber cultivation.

With the out-grower programme and the institute, rubber farmers in Edo will have robust support required to increase production to meet demand.