Asue Ighodalo engages with Edo Diaspora in Manchester

Asue Ighodalo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, received a warm, carnival-like reception in Manchester, England, on Wednesday. The event, held at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, was part of his ongoing European tour to engage with the Edo Diaspora.

The tour began on Monday, June 24, in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and will continue to London, Hamburg, and Nuremberg. The Manchester event saw an unprecedented turnout, with the venue packed to capacity.

Ighodalo, who holds a Honorary Doctorate Degree of Economics, was accompanied by his wife, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo; his running mate, Osarodion Ogie; the Edo State PDP Campaign Council Director-General, Matthew Iduoriyekemwen; and other aides. Each of Ighodalo’s presentations was met with enthusiastic applause and approval from the audience.

Asue Ighodalo, the PDP’s governorship candidate in the Edo governorship election, was at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Manchester to meet with the Edo Diaspora.

He focused on his “Pathway to Prosperity for All” manifesto, released on Monday, expressing confidence in his ability to transform Edo State into a first-world sub-national entity in Nigeria. “I see a pathway to prosperity for all in Edo State and it’s doable. We will transform Edo State to a first world sub-national in Nigeria. We have the people, the God given natural resources and the wherewithal to make it possible. It’s doable,” he declared, receiving intermittent applause and shouts of approval from the audience.

During the question-and-answer session, Ogie, an accomplished lawyer and the current Secretary to the State Government (SSG), joined Ighodalo on stage to address questions from the enthusiastic attendees. Many questions were preceded by expressions of approval and endorsement of Ighodalo’s vision for the state.

When asked about his position on traditional institutions in Edo State, Ighodalo emphasised that his administration, if elected, would treat traditional rulers and institutions with the utmost reverence. He assured that nothing would be allowed to negatively impact or bring disrepute to these revered institutions, a response that triggered rapturous applause.

Dr Alfred Ajayi Ejiya, President of the Esan Community in Manchester (ECM) and Chairman of the Manchester Town Hall Meeting, had earlier assured that the night’s engagement would be very successful, which it indeed turned out to be.

Ighodalo’s next engagement will take place in London today, Thursday, June 27, as his European tour continues.