…Obaseki Unveils N1 Billion Grant to Boost Trade and Commerce in Edo State
By Kingsley Ohens
With the Edo State governorship election approaching on Saturday, Dr. Asue Ighodalo’s candidacy received a significant enhancement on Tuesday, as the Edo State Market Women formally pledged their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nominee.
During the well-attended annual event hosting Governor Godwin Obaseki as Grand Patron at Ogbe Stadium’s Lawn Tennis Court, Benin City, Madam Blacky Ogiemen, Edo state market women leader, made the official announcement of endorsement and support.
Madam Ogiemen emphasized in her welcome address that the traders have been unwavering in their support for the state government and will sustain this partnership beyond Governor Obaseki’s tenure.
In her words: “The Edo State Women Traders have always supported the government in the state and we hereby pledge that we will continue to do that even after your tenure.”
She went on to list the many things the administration of Obaseki has done while in office, saying: “The achievement of your administration are too numerous to mention. We are confident that your successor, Dr Asue Ighodalo will continue for the betterment of Edo people.
“We assure you that we have decided to cast our votes for the governorship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr Asue Ighodalo and Barrister Osarodion Ogie in this next Saturday election to enable him continue and maintain the good work you have been doing. Victory is guaranteed for the PDP as Edo people go to the polls,” she declared.
In his response speech, Governor Obaseki thanked the women. He expressed appreciation their unwavering support all through his tenure and thanked them for the promise to extend the same support to Ighodalo.
He then declared that in a bid to make live and business more exciting, considering the hyper inflation that the country is currently facing, the government has decided to support them with N1billion grant to be disbursed to them via a modality that the leadership of the market women and government officials will agree upon.
He assured them that the grant would be such that it wouldn’t come with controversies. He assured them that Ighodalo would double to grant to a rapturous ovation from the women.
Also in attendance were the First Lady, Betsy Obaseki and Dr Ighodalo’s wife, Mrs Ifeyinwa Ighodalo.
The colorfully dressed women later took to the dance floor in a show of admiration to dance with Governor Obaseki and Ighodalo.
