Mr. Asue Ighodalo, a business partner of Governor Godwin Obaseki and a speculated candidate for the 2024 Edo State governorship election, has refused to confirm or deny his political ambition.
Ighodalo is the chairman of Alaghodaro, a think tank established by Obaseki to generate ideas for the development of the state in various sectors.
Leadership reported that he spoke to journalists on Wednesday at the opening of the 7th edition of the annual Alaghodaro Summit, which featured a women conference in Benin City.
When asked about his aspirations he said, “It’s only God that can answer that question”.
He expressed his satisfaction with the work and the achievements of Alaghodaro in the last seven years, saying that it has provided alternative views and recommendations to the state government, many of which have been implemented or are in progress.
He stressed the need for policy consistency and implementation for the state to continue its development trajectory, and urged the next administration to sustain the Alaghodaro programme.
He also assured that Obaseki was committed to fulfilling his campaign promise of rebuilding several burnt markets in the state before the end of his tenure.
He said this year’s Alaghodaro programme will showcase the achievements of the Obaseki administration in the past seven years, and will include two panel discussions.
He added that some of the guests will visit the Palace of the Oba of Benin, the Observer newspaper, and the Victor Uwaifo Entertainment Hub, which has one of the best studios in the country.
He revealed that past governors of the state will be honoured for their contributions to the state’s development, and that the programme will also feature a food fair, a dinner, and a music carnival.
Ighodalo said, “For countries to develop there must be consistency of policy and implementation, pointing out that the only way to maintain the current momentum of development in the state is for the incoming government to ensure continuity of the Alaghodaro programme.
“Some of the tourists will tour the Palace of the Oba of Benin, they will experience how life is in Edo.
“They will visit the Observer where the first copy of the paper will role out tomorrow (today)”.
