Edo 2024: What qualities does Asue Ighodalo have over his fellow contenders

By Joseph Osaru

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Asue Ighodalo, has built an envious profile that positions him as a strong contender in the 2024 governorship election.

Aside the fact that he is eminently qualitied, there are certain qualities that set him apart from his fellow contenders.

These attributes include:

Street Smart

Beyond the politics, Ighodalo is street smart and unassuming. Through the course of his career, he has shown an uncanny aptitude in surmounting challenges and making the best of whatever life has thrown at him. This can be said of his successes with Banwo & Ighodalo and Sterling Bank. He was also chairman of Nigerian Brewery, helping the brewer in mitigating challenges that have characterized Nigeria’s tremulous economy. He can get along with anyone, build quick relationships and speak in a language and manner that is relatable.

Global-citizen

Much as he is attuned to local realities, Ighodalo is a global citizen with connection that stretch from the global south to the north. He often speaks of positioning Edo on a pedestal to compete as a sub-sovereign, which reflects his thought process and vision. This means that for him, the competition is not in Lagos or Abuja or Port Harcourt, but the best cities on the African continent such as Cairo, Johannesburg, Marrakesh, among others.

Inclusion

Ighodalo has always maintained a stance that puts women and young people in the saddle to lead the way. His legacy in Sterling Bank is a quick reference. He entrusted the bank in the hands of a young man who did amazing things with the company. Of course, there were times the excess of youth shrine through, but he allows for mistakes to be made so that young people can learn from their experiences. He empowers women, especially when they show promise and are dedicated.

Tech-driven

Ighodalo has shown that is not afraid of technology. He works with young people and have shown some of the most ambitious deployment of technology in his professional life. He has shown very impressive understanding of technology in the way he has kicked off his campaign with the use of podcast formats and other multimedia tools in his campaign so far. In some of these short clips, he has also shown a decent grasp of how technology is driving change and radically changing the world as we know it.

The next part of this piece would reveal why other candidates should find other fitting roles better suited for their capacities.

Watch out!