By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The Alaghodaro Summit being organized by the Edo State Government to showcase its achievements on Wednesday began with the Edo Women Conference, the chairman of Alaghodaro board, Asue Ighodalo has said.
The Summit is organised yearly by the Edo State Government, in partnership with the private sector, to mark the anniversary of Governor Godwin Obaseki in office.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the beginning of the Summit, Ighodalo said the summit was being organised to showcase the progress recorded in transforming the State into an investment haven.
He stated that the Alaghodaro Summit was a platform used to interact with business people to exchange ideas that can move the state forward.
He said” this is the seventh edition of the summit and it is taking place in Benin between November 8 and 12 with the theme, The Edo Story, Creating Shared Opportunities into the Future.
“Activities lined up to make this year’s Alaghodaro Summit will begin today with women conference, tour and cocktail on Thursday, November 9.
“While the main Alaghodaro Summit, Muslim Prayers, State Award and Dinner are scheduled for Friday, November 10
“On Saturday, November 11, will be the Governor’s Golf Tournament, Food fair and youth concert and will climax with a thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 12,” he said.
The chairman assured of a memorable outing at this year’s Summit adding that, guests would be taken round the city to showcase achievements of the governor in the last seven years.
He stated that the Alaghodaro Summit was a fantastic innovation of governance that brought alternative views by way of recommendations, adding that, substantial part of its policy recommended to the state government have been implemented.
Speaking during questions and answers session, Ighodalo said that the lack of continuity in government policies has led to the underdevelopment of most states in the country.
He noted that different government came with different programmes without considering what can be improved upon.
Ighodalo explained that the problem became more pronounced since 1999 as politicians did away with policies of their predecessors.
According to him, the only way the country and and states can experience development would be when successive governments sustain favourable policies of past governors and government.