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The All Progressives Congress (APC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates contesting the Edo State governorship elections were during the week hosted to an interactive platform (Thinkers Nest Politico) by International Leadership Idea Exchange (ILIX) under the aegis of Benson Idahosa University to enable the aspirants reel out their manifestoes and tell the students and the general public why they should be voted into power.
Godwin Obaseki of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the People’s Democratic Party were been hosted at different sessions.
The candidates for the Saturday September 10 Edo State governorship poll however were availed the opportunity to unveil their roadmaps for the state.
The program themed “Why You” which took place at the University’s auditorium saw the candidates answer questions on their programs and policies relating to health, security, human resource development, job creation and industrialization, education, housing, agricultural/rural development, as well as transportation and infrastructure.
Giving his welcome speech, the President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop FEB Idahosa who functioned as the moderator of the program said the program was organised to make our students and the general public able to think and address issues and develop the spirit of democracy.
The two days interactive event had the All Progressives Party (APC) governorship aspirant, Godwin Obaseki speak at the first day of the program.
Obaseki, an investment and financial management expert of over 30 years promised to create over 200,000 jobs (minimum), through agriculture and its value chain. He said the state would become the driver of the country’s food production if he emerged governor; adding that jobs aren’t created by government but by government policies.
According to the seasoned technocrat, many Edo people will generate wealth by keying into the value chain development of Oil Palm, Cassava, Cocoa, Grains, Rubber, Fruits and Vegetables thereby creating more jobs within the next four years.
He said some communities are already communicating interest to invest, so at the first line up a 450 megawatt plant would be constructed.
The investment banker said he should be voted into power because they (already) have a blue print of what Edo state should look like and we need to continue to make sure that we are an education hub thereby be capable to produce the best man power in the country.
“There is so much we have done and we need someone who understands this to continue in that trajectory,” he said.
In his own remark, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the People’s Democratic Party said that he is in the governorship race because he is deeply concerned about the happenings in the state.
The renowned farmer appreciated the institution for strengthening democracy adding that he is more than qualified to rule the state with the amount of experience he gathered while in power.
I am not contesting because I am concerned or passionate to rule but because I also have the experience to change things for better in the state.
On job creation, he said investments in industries would however transfer to jobs. He alleged that the government has not really been creative in their dealings as they have only depended on payments of taxes and allocations from Abuja.
Iyamu who gave a brief presentation of his SIMPLE agenda, however assured that the repairs of roads would be a priority and would be done in the next four years if elected.
“The more attractive we make investments, the better it is for the state,” he said.
On his part, he promised an Edo state different from the present one, making right the wrongs of a present government.
The Director, Campus Life Division (CLD), however thanked the aspirants for having honored that university’s invitation.
Prof Ernest Izevbigie who gave a brief history of the university added that the institution as an intellectual environment organized the event for the candidates to tell the electorates why they should be voted, present highlights of their manifestoes and their vision for the state.
International Leadership Idea Exchange (ILIX) is an academic and business forum that brings together leaders of industry and academia to ‘exchange’ ideas and solutions for resolving African and World problems.
