By MARCEL OKEKE

By virtually all performance indices, the Godwin Obaseki-led administration in Edo State has done exceptionally well in nearly eight years. Indeed, without equivocation, the 'Heartbeat of the Nation' has joined the league of top-notch states in Nigeria regarding socio-economic development.

This reality, which we can all take pride in, is underpinned by the consistent and appreciable rise in the State's Internally Generated Revenue (NGR) coupled with prudence and innovation in managing Edo State's resources.

Edo State's Impressive Economic Performance

Specifically, from a mere N24 billion in 2016, Edo State's IGR grew astronomically to hit N65 billion in 2023, and that was even before the failed monetary policy of the Federal Government bashed the Naira.

This achievement of almost tripling the IGR in seven years is a testament to the Obaseki-led administration's innovation and creativity in fiscal management.

2022, Edo State ranked eighth among the 36 States and the FCT, with an IGR of N47.5 billion. The ?2023 Fiscal Performance Ranking of the States' by BudgIT (www.budgit.org/) ranks Edo State sixth in the country.

This puts the State among those that "have comparatively limited dependence on federally distributed revenue for their operations and thus have greater viability if they were to exist as an independent entity theoretically."

Alongside this reality, the Edo State Government has, in the past eight years, created a genuinely enabling economic environment that has attracted several private sector investors.

Today, Edo State has remained one of the best investment destinations among Nigeria's 36 states. The State has reduced the cost of governance and almost entirely digitized the process.

The Obaseki Administration's Strategic Projects

Under the Godwin Obaseki-led administration, Edo State has implemented numerous economically strategic projects, such as the Ossiomo Power Plant, Oil Palm Program, Ethanol Plant, Modular Refinery, Benin Port, etc.

The State has also implemented the most impactful education transformation program (EdoBEST) in West Africa. The latest plank is the recently launched 'EdoCert, a cutting-edge digital platform designed to streamline certificate issuance and verification in the State.

These accomplishments were undoubtedly a product of transformational leadership anchored on a clear vision and roadmap. This is why, even today, Edo State is yet a 'work-in-progress' and needs to be supported by political buccaneers and cowboys at the helm of affairs.

Thus, at this critical moment of 'Edo 2024', as the electorate votes to elect a new governor on September 21, 2024, they have only one choice: the man with proven capacity and competence.

Governor Godwin Obaseki is aware of this absolute minimum requirement for his successor. He is backing a tried and tested candidate who will keep the 'Edo Flag' flying and raise the bar of governance in the State and Nigeria. Thus, Governor Obaseki affirms that "we have set things in order and achieved progress.

Vision for the Future: Dr. Asue Ighodalo's Agenda for Edo State

Now, it is time to solidify the reforms and implement projects focused on improving the quality of life of our people."

And here comes Dr. Asue Ighodalo, whose vision for Edo State is "a place where every citizen can live a good and secure life." A distinguished Economist and Lawyer, Ighodalo is in the race with an agenda with five strategic focus areas.

His prosperity agenda is anchored on Security, Law, and Order. He insists, "We will work hard to ensure that security, law, and order are the foundation of our prosperity."

Under the agenda, Edo State shall support the security forces, adopt technology, establish a security trust, build trust in the people, engage the community, enforce the rule of law, and restore "our values" as a people.

Ighodalo-led administration in Edo State shall also alleviate hardship, provide stable power, provide good jobs, build roads, offer quality, affordable healthcare, access to quality education, and empower the youth and women.

Ighodalo, concerning economic growth, promises that "we will leverage our competitive advantages to grow our economy and create prosperity for all." This shall be underpinned by Good Governance, under which "we will deliver quality services to our people and ensure that we are transparent and accountable."

The Edo State environment will also be taken care of, and Ighodalo promises that "we will protect our environment and tackle erosion, flooding, and deforestation."

In sum, Ighodalo, the boardroom guru, affirms that "it is the Edo spirit of excellence and greatness combined with hard work that will guide us on this pathway to prosperity for all. Let us work together to create an Edo State representing the best of us and what we can achieve."

Asue Ighodalo's manifesto is built on an excellent track record of accomplishments in diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.

With two first degrees in two crucial areas of Economics and Law, obtained from top-notch institutions (the University of Ibadan and London School of Economics and Political Science, respectively), Asue has bestrode the Nigerian corporate world like a colossus with giant footprints.

Having been called to the Nigerian Bar since 1985, Asue has core practice areas in corporate and project finance, securities and capital markets, energy and natural resources, and mergers and acquisitions.

He co-founded Banwo & Ighodalo, one of Nigeria's foremost corporate and commercial law firms, with 15 partners and over 100 lawyers.

Until December 2023, Asue was Chairman of the Boards of Sterling Bank Limited, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Edo State Investment Summit, Levene Energy Group Limited, and Global Mix Limited.

He is the immediate past Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) and also served on the Board of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority from May 2017 to May 2021.

Asue has lectured on the Roles and Duties of Directors and Corporate Governance at the Lagos Business School (LBS) and the Institute of Directors. He was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Economics (D.Litt.) (Honoris Causa) by the Edo State University, Uzairue, in November 2021.

Making the case for the next governor

Therefore, in the spirit of continuity and sustainability, the Godwin Obaseki-led administration is fielding and backing Asue Ighodalo so that Edo State will keep rising to greater heights.

Asue has all it takes to expand the frontiers of good governance and move Edo State to the seemingly elusive economic Eldorado. He has the experience, exposure, competence, and capacity to deliver!

?Okeke, a National Daily Columnist, practicing Economist, Business Strategist, Sustainability expert, and ex-chief Economist of Zenith Bank Plc, can be reached via obioraokeke2000@yahoo.com

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