In continuation of his engagements with Edo people in the Diaspora, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the September 21, 2024, governorship election in Edo State, Asue, engaged Edo Diaspora Community in Atlanta, Georgia, United States.
The event which was held at the Holly Springs Road, Marietta Hall, marked the first of a three-legged town hall meeting across the US, as Houston,Texas and New York are billed to host the PDP flag bearer.
Ighodalo who arrived at the venue to a rousing welcome in the company of his wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, and running mate, Osarodion Ogie 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, who started by highlighting the important position the Edo Diaspora Community occupies in his plan and agenda for the state, 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 was 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, just as he emphasised that without security all other plans might not be feasible.
The PDP candidate assured that the existing State Security Trust Fund would be strengthened and improved upon, hinting 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 districts 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, the deputy governorship candidate, Ogie, joined him as the attendees sought 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.
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