Uromi Township Hall was agog on Thursday as it hosted thousands of Esan women who gathered to receive outgoing First Lady Betsy Obaseki, the Edo State Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Maria Omonzele Edeko and Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo, wife of Dr Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 governorship election in the state.
Mrs Obaseki, who paid a ‘Thank You’ visit to the women in the two Local Government Areas of Esan North East and Esan South East, expressed her profound gratitude to them for their unwavering support thus far and the indispensable role they played in the last governorship election in the state that saw her husband, Governor Obaseki, clinch a second term victory.
The meeting also provided an avenue for the first lady to highlight some of the projects and unprecedented achievements of Governor Obaseki in the last seven years in office which has made the current administration to be rated as the best and one of its kind in the history of Edo State.
Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Obaseki used the opportunity to launch the women campaign wing of the PDP for the coming election. She spoke extensively on the need for the PDP to retain power in the coming gubernatorial election in the state. She noted that it’s only the candidates of the party, Dr Ighodalo and Osarodion Ogie, that have the experience, capacity and capability to consolidate and solidify the good work of the current administration. She admonished the women to continue their good work for the party and not be carried away by APC’s lies and propaganda which was exactly the thing that landed Nigeria and Nigerians in the unfortunate situation of today.
“Asue Ighodalo is the only candidate with the requisite knowledge and capacity to consolidate the developmental strides of Gov. Obaseki and to lead the state to the path of prosperity for all. APC and its candidates are empty, therefore, cannot give what they do not have.
“We cannot afford to leave Edo State in the hands of those who brought upon Nigerians untold hardship,” she said.
In her speech, the Deputy Speaker applauded Mrs. Obaseki for the role she has played in seeing to women’s inclusiveness in government and politics.
“In Edo state today, we now have more active numbers of women in government. This administration has given women a sense of belonging as we can now boast of women as a deputy speaker, commissioners, council chairmen, vice chairmen, councilors and others in Edo State,” she stated to huge applause.
Rt. Hon. Edeko outlined some of her completed and ongoing projects which include construction of healthcare centre, perimeter fencing of schools, construction of police station, rehabilitation of schools among others.
Also speaking during the campaign launch, Mrs. Ighodalo assured the women of inclusiveness in the government of her husband if the party wins. She also outlined numerous plans to assist women in the areas of agriculture, businesses and other aspects. She emphasized her husband’s manifesto titled “Pathway to Prosperity for All” and the benefits it will bring to them, their children and the generation unborn.
The highlights of the event was the distribution of various items such as, rice, wrappers, caps and many more to the women.
Some of the prominent PDP leaders and dignitaries who graced the event include Edo Central PDP chairman ably represented, Hon. John Yakubu, Hon. Mrs. Philomena Ihenyen, Hon. Mrs. Susan Otekpen, who also represented Esan South East council Chairman, Hon. Kelly Inedegbor represented by Hon. Goddie Omonzokpea.
Others include, Edo Central woman leader, Esan North East and Esan South East women leader, amongst others.
