Ebonyi 2027: Anyichuks Unveils Development Agenda, Seeks Stakeholders’ Support, Says ‘Better Days Are Possible Again’
Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for the 2027 Ebonyi State election, has unveiled his vision for the state’s development, promising sweeping reforms in education, human capital development, infrastructure, security and tourism.
Speaking at a dinner with Ebonyi Business community and stakeholders in Abuja on Thursday, shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return, Odii called for unity and collective commitment to building a prosperous Ebonyi State under the theme, “Better Days Are Possible Again.”
He said Ebonyi’s abundant human and natural resources have yet to translate into the level of development envisioned by the state’s founding fathers, attributing the gap to leadership and governance challenges.
The PDP candidate identified five priority areas for his administration: education, human capital development, infrastructure, institutional reforms and security, and tourism.
He urged young people to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship and technology rather than depending on political appointments, stressing that the future belongs to knowledge, creativity and productivity.
According to him, “ the twenty-first century belongs to knowledge, innovation, creativity, and technology. The future belongs to those who can solve problems. The future belongs to those who can create value. The future belongs to skilled people. Our youths must therefore embrace: Software development, Artificial intelligence, Robotics, Data analytics, Digital marketing, Renewable energy technology, Agribusiness, Mechanized farming, Manufacturing, Construction, technology, Healthcare innovation, Creative industries, financial technology, Cybersecurity, Engineering, Industrial production.” He therefore, that “As governor, I will launch the most ambitious human capital development programme in the history of Ebonyi State. I will ensure that our youths occupy the commanding heights of the productive economy. I want Ebonyi youths to become employers of labour. I want Ebonyi youths to become exporters. I want Ebonyi youths to become global innovators. I want Ebonyi youths to compete with the best anywhere in the world. Because as a people, we can. And as a people, we must.
He pledged to declare a state of emergency in education, invest in technology-driven learning, equip youths with globally competitive skills, expand infrastructure, strengthen institutions and unlock the state’s tourism potential.
Addressing concerns over zoning, he said while historical political arrangements remain important, Ebonyi now needs visionary, competent and inclusive leadership capable of driving development across all parts of the state. Paying tributes to the founding fathers of Ebonyi State, Chief Odii noted that Ebonyi has to b urgently rescued from directionless governance in order to preserve the dreams of the founding fathers.
He called on stakeholders to join him in building what he described as a new Ebonyi founded on merit, opportunity and prosperity, expressing confidence that “better days are possible again” for the state.
He said, “We must come together to arrest this drift. We must build a new political culture. We must create a new Ebonyi. A state where excellence is rewarded. A state where merit matters. A state where dreams can flourish. A state where opportunities abound. A state where every child can aspire to greatness.
“I seek your support because together we can banish the unfortunate stereotypes that have followed our people for generations. We must reject the narrative that Ebonyi people are destined to remain at the lowest rung of the economic ladder. We must ensure that future generations inherit confidence, opportunity, prosperity, and dignity.”
The event which was held at the The Dome, the Francis Hotel Abuja attracted business leaders, technocrats and the leadership of Ebonyi Community (EBOCOM), Abuja, party leaders and various support organisations.