...Unveils vision for economic rebirth

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has pledged to rescue the state from what he described as a crippling leadership deficit, promising to reposition Ebonyi through inclusive governance, economic transformation and strategic investments in human capital if elected in the 2027 general election.

 

Odii made the pledge on Thursday night during an interactive dinner organised in his honour by the Ebonyi Business Community and Friends in Abuja, where he unveiled what he described as a roadmap for the state’s economic rebirth.

 

According to him, his aspiration is driven by a commitment to provide visionary leadership capable of unlocking Ebonyi’s vast but underutilised human and natural resources.

 

Reflecting on the state’s history, the PDP standard-bearer paid tribute to founding leaders, including Dr Akanu Ibiam, the late Chief Martin Elechi and Senator Offia Nwali, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation for a prosperous state but lamenting that the vision had yet to be fully realised.

 

“Our state possesses enormous human and natural resources, fertile lands and industrious people, yet we remain far below our potential. The tragedy is not the lack of potential; the tragedy is a failure of leadership and vision. The current administration has failed because you cannot give what you do not have,” he said.

 

Odii argued that modern governance requires a business-oriented approach capable of harnessing the state’s abundant solid mineral deposits, agricultural potential and human capital to drive sustainable development.

 

He promised to prioritise people-centred infrastructure, strengthen primary healthcare delivery and build a secure economy that would create employment opportunities for the state’s growing youth population.

 

The PDP candidate also dismissed the politics of zoning as a distraction, insisting that competence, capacity and commitment to service should take precedence over sectional considerations.

 

“I am offering myself because I am a citizen of Ebonyi State, I am qualified to run, and I have the capacity to deliver good governance. What binds us together is the state, not the Abakaliki or Afikpo bloc. I am not running to consume or destroy; I am a builder of men,” he declared.

 

Expressing concern over what he described as the growing dependence on political patronage among young people, Odii warned that the trend posed a threat to the state’s long-term development.

 

According to him, too many youths now aspire to political appointments instead of pursuing careers in innovation, entrepreneurship, science and technology.

 

“No society can compete globally when its highest employer is politics rather than productivity and innovation,” he said.

 

To reverse the trend, Odii promised to implement what he described as the most ambitious human capital development programme in Ebonyi’s history, aimed at equipping young people with skills in artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, data analytics, renewable energy and mechanised agriculture.

 

“The 21st century belongs to knowledge, innovation, creativity and technology. The future belongs to those who can solve problems and create value. We must build a new culture, a new Ebonyi where excellence is rewarded, where merit matters and where dreams can flourish,” he added.

 

The governorship hopeful also urged members of the Ebonyi business community to mobilise eligible voters for the ongoing voter registration exercise, stressing that broad participation would be critical to the success of the PDP in the next election.

 

Recalling the outcome of the previous governorship election, Odii expressed confidence that the party had strengthened its structures and strategies to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.

 

“Last time you supported and voted for me, but whatever happened, we took it as God willed. But I assure you this time around, your votes must count. We are better prepared,” he said.

 

Chairman of the occasion, Mr Onwe Onwe, criticised the performance of the incumbent administration, alleging that governance in the state had been characterised by trial-and-error policies and misplaced priorities.

 

He also claimed that poverty had worsened due to what he described as excessive spending on projects that offered little economic value.

 

“After our thorough analysis, we came to the conclusion that Odii has the capacity, competence and commitment to move our state forward,” Onwe said.

 

Also speaking, Chairman of the Ebonyi State Community in Abuja, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, assured the PDP candidate of the community’s support and expressed optimism about his chances in the 2027 governorship election.

 

Similarly, House of Representatives hopeful, Mr Eni Chima, urged voters in Ebonyi North Senatorial District to place competence above mediocrity, describing Odii as a leader with a proven record of impacting lives through his personal initiatives.

 

“We are not interested in the colour of the cat, but in the cat that will kill the rat. We are confident that our candidate will deliver on the job,” Chima said.