It was applause galore as Dr Asue Ighodalo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, engaged Edo Diaspora Community in Atlanta, Georgia, United States on Monday.
The fully parked Holly Springs Road, Marietta Hall, marked the first of a three legged Town Hall Meeting across the US. The remaining two are billed for Houston,Texas and New York.
Ighodalo who arrived at the venue to a rousing welcome in the company of his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo and running mate, Osarodion Ogie Esq, and others, explained in detail his vision for Edo State as encapsulated in the “Pathway to Prosperity for All” manifesto to the approval of the huge audience numbering over four hundred.
Ighodalo started by highlighting the important position the Edo Diaspora Community occupies in his plan and agenda for the state. He challenged them to brace up for a new dispensation when their expertise and know-how would be needed back at home. He assured them that his plan is to ensure that they contribute meaningfully to the development of the state by creating the enabling environment for them to do it without stress.
Unfolding his agenda for the state, Ighodalo stressed the place of security. He emphasised that without security all other plans may not be feasible. He assured that the existing State Security Trust Fund will be strengthened and improved upon. He hinted about the deployment of technology, encouraging the return to proper grooming from homes and moral suasion through recognised society channels to check waywardness among young people. He equally emphasised that sanctions will be meted to anyone who wilfully engages in any criminal activity so as to serve as a deterrent to others.
Talking about the well-being of the citizens as another pillar of his manifesto, Ighodalo stressed that all would be done to ensure the welfare of the people through the provisions of amenities that make life and living worthwhile.
On his economic plans, Ighodalo revealed that he would set up economic development agencies in the three senatorial zones to maximise the comparative advantages of each zone. He equally revealed his plan about the tourism economy and the creative economy to the admiration of his audience.
During the question and answer session, deputy governorship candidate, Ogie, joined him as the attendees seek clues to their questions and heart desires for their beloved state. They both provided satisfactory answers to their questions as the meeting came to an end. The US Diaspora Engagement train moves to Houston, Texas on Wednesday.
