Opinion
By Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
TYPICALLY, when an individual receives an appointment, award, or recognition for exceptional achievement, a citation is often read aloud while the honoree stands to accept the accolades. Following this, amidst the resounding applause, the individual typically bows, marking the culmination of a vibrant and inspiring profile.
This scenario is exemplified by Asue Ighodalo, the current gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State. His impressive profile, resonating instantly with the state’s electorate, further adds to the dynamic narrative of his achievements and public recognition.
Asue Ighodalo has held a variety of positions at several organisations. Notable positions include Founder and Managing Partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, Non-Executive Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc. In pursuit of his political aim of becoming the next governor of Edo State, he resigned from companies where he worked as chairman or director to focus on his candidature.
His extensive professional history includes roles such as Associate at Chris Ogunbanjo & Co., Non-Executive Director at Dangote Flour Mills Plc, and Chairman of The Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Additionally, he is affiliated with various professional associations like the International Bar Association, The Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, Nigerian Bar Association, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, and Institute of Directors.
Furthermore, Asue Ighodalo holds board positions in several companies, including Okomu Oil Palm Company Plc, CardinalStone Partners Ltd., Global Mix Limited, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, AIICO Pension Managers Ltd., Piling Engineering Ltd., Isa Wali Empowerment Initiative, and Main Street Technologies Ltd.
The extensive and impressive professional background of Asue Ighodalo, as highlighted in his Super Hyper Profile, positions him as a standout candidate in the Edo Guber Race. Having served in key roles such as Founder and Managing Partner of Banwo & Ighodalo, Non-Executive Chairman of Nigerian Breweries Plc, and Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc, he brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the table.
In the event of his successful election as governor, his background in law, finance, and business is poised to positively impact governance in Edo State. His prior roles as Chairman of Sterling Bank Plc and Non-Executive Director at Dangote Flour Mills Plc reflect his understanding of economic dynamics and strategic decision-making.
Moreover, Asue Ighodalo’s involvement in professional associations such as the International Bar Association, The Association of International Petroleum Negotiators, and others, showcases his commitment to excellence and ethical standards. This commitment is likely to translate into a governance style characterized by transparency, adherence to legal principles, and strategic negotiation skills.
Additionally, his role as Chairman of The Nigerian Economic Summit Group indicates a deep understanding of economic development, which could contribute significantly to shaping policies that foster growth and sustainability in Edo State.
Furthermore, the fact that Asue Ighodalo holds board positions in various companies spanning different sectors demonstrates his versatility and ability to navigate complex organizational landscapes. This adaptability may prove beneficial in addressing the diverse challenges and opportunities that Edo State may face under his leadership.
In essence, Asue Ighodalo’s rich and robust CV not only positions him as a candidate with a strong foundation in law, finance, and business but also suggests that his governance approach, if elected, may be characterized by competence, strategic thinking, and a commitment to fostering economic and social development in Edo State.
The upcoming Edo State governorship election promises to be a challenging contest, given that the ruling party has put forward a strong and widely appealing candidate. The current political landscape suggests that the election will be highly competitive, and the outcome will be closely watched in the days ahead. The APC, facing internal challenges arising from unresolved issues in its gubernatorial primaries, adds an element of uncertainty to the political dynamics, potentially influencing the final results.
29th February, 2024.
C.E.
Tags: Asue Ighodalo
