Dr. Asue Ighodalo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Alaghodaro Economic Summit Ltd/Gte, has underscored the significant role that the annual Alaghodaro Summit has played in shaping the growth trajectory of Edo State over the past seven years.
The summit, which is an initiative organized by the Edo State Government in collaboration with the private sector, celebrates Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure and highlights the state’s progress in becoming an attractive investment destination.
This year marks the seventh edition of the Alaghodaro Summit, taking place in Benin City from November 8 to 12, 2023, with the theme, “The Edo Story: Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.”
Addressing reporters in Benin City, Ighodalo emphasized how the insights gained from the previous summits have played a pivotal role in influencing the government’s policies and initiatives. These efforts have ultimately improved the well-being of the majority of Edo State’s residents and set the state on a sustainable path of accelerated growth and development.
Ighodalo stated, “The Alaghodaro Summit was conceived ten months into Governor Godwin Obaseki’s tenure in 2017. It provided a platform for high-ranking government officials, agency heads, permanent secretaries, among others, to engage with the private sector, business leaders, NGOs, and civil society groups. The primary aim was to foster a collaborative exchange of ideas on the future of Edo State.
“Governor Obaseki is committed to taking the necessary developmental steps to propel Edo State to a higher level from where it was previously. To facilitate this process, he established a board and incorporated it as a company limited by guarantee, separate from the government, which allowed us to drive this annual event.
“We receive recommendations from each Alaghodaro Summit, and these are presented to the government. The government then assesses these recommendations and integrates them into its policies and plans. This process has significantly contributed to the development of Edo State, helping to lift our people out of poverty through infrastructure development and other endeavors.”
Ighodalo continued, “While there is still much work to be done, we have witnessed transformational changes in the state over the past seven years, with many ideas stemming from the outcomes of Alaghodaro Summits.
“This seventh summit, like its predecessors, builds upon the successes of previous editions. The recommendations from each summit have consistently been submitted to the governor and the State Executive Council (EXCO), significantly contributing to the state’s progress.
“We are proud to have served on the board and to have contributed to the state’s development through the formation of policies and reform initiatives.”
Regarding the schedule for this year’s summit, Ighodalo explained, “The Alaghodaro Summit commenced today with a press briefing, followed by the Edo Women Conference, allowing women to share their perspectives on governance in the state.
“On Thursday, November 9th, we will showcase the state’s achievements, particularly in terms of physical and other infrastructure, with a tour to highlight these accomplishments. We have received consent from the Oba for tourists to visit the palace and view the artifacts on display. We will also launch the first edition of a publication on Thursday, November 9th, showcasing our success stories.”
He went on to outline the activities scheduled for the main day of the summit, which is Friday, November 10th, starting at 9 am. The event will culminate with a state dinner to honor past governors who have contributed to the state’s development.
On Saturday, the agenda includes a golf tournament, an Edo Food and Fun Fair featuring local producers from the state’s three senatorial districts, and a massive concert showcasing the talents of Edo residents.
Ighodalo also noted the inauguration of a world-class studio at the Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub, which will serve as a recording facility for top-tier artists.
On Sunday, the summit will conclude with a thanksgiving praise evening, beginning at 4 pm, allowing participants to express gratitude for the state’s achievements and progress.