Ebonyi PDP Governorship Candidate Odii promises transformational leadership, youth empowerment

Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Ebonyi State, Mr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has pledged to reposition the state through visionary leadership, economic reforms and youth empowerment if elected in the 2027 governorship election.

Odii made the pledge on Thursday during an interactive dinner organised in his honour by the Ebonyi Business Community and Friends in Abuja.

He said his ambition was driven by a commitment to good governance, sustainable development and the need to unlock the state’s vast human and natural resources.

According to him, the aspirations of Ebonyi’s founding leaders for a prosperous and inclusive state remain largely unrealised.

Paying tribute to notable figures, including Dr Akanu Ibiam, Chief Martin Elechi and Offia Nwali, Odii said Ebonyi possessed abundant resources but had failed to maximise its potential because of poor leadership.

“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.

The PDP candidate said his administration would adopt a business-driven approach to governance by harnessing opportunities in agriculture, solid minerals and human capital development.

He promised to prioritise people-centred infrastructure, quality primary healthcare and policies that would stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve living standards.

Odii also dismissed zoning debates, insisting that competence, capacity and the collective interest of Ebonyi people should take precedence over sectional considerations.

“I am offering myself because I am a citizen of Ebonyi, 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 said.

Expressing concern over youth unemployment and growing dependence on political patronage, Odii said the state must shift its focus towards innovation, entrepreneurship and productivity.

“Today, too many young men and women aspire not to become innovators, scientists, engineers, software developers or business owners. Instead, many aspire to become political appointees.

“Many seek patronage rather than productivity. This trend is dangerous. No society can compete globally when its highest employer is politics rather than productivity and innovation,” he said.

He pledged to invest heavily in human capital development, with emphasis on digital technology, artificial intelligence, robotics, software development, 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.

Odii urged members of the business community to mobilise eligible voters to participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise ahead of the 2027 elections.

He also assured supporters that measures were being put in place to protect votes and strengthen electoral participation.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the occasion, Mr Onwe Onwe, described Odii as a competent leader capable of driving Ebonyi’s development.

Similarly, Chairman of the Ebonyi Community in Abuja, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, expressed confidence in Odii’s candidacy and pledged the community’s support.

Also speaking, House of Representatives aspirant, Mr Eni Chima, urged voters to prioritise competence and leadership capacity, expressing confidence that Odii would provide effective governance if elected. (NAN)