My people are suffering in Abia North, am the best material to transform Abia North, says Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, ADC Senatorial candidate

The Senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Ike Bishop Okoronkwo (IBO) has unveiled his plans for the good people of Abia North, saying that his mission to the Senate is to breath a new air of life and transformation into the various communities that make up Abia North Senatorial district.

Okoronkwo who unveiled his program on Monday at the ADC State secretariat in Umuahia, lamented the poverty level in Abia North, and also bemoaned the absence of basic facilities in the five local government areas of Ohafia, Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato and Umunneochi LGAs.

He listed important cardinal areas of Education, Prosperity, Agriculture& Women inclusion and Infrastructure.

While acknowledging his respect for the incumbent, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Ike Bishop Okoronkwo said that it was time for the former Governor of Abia State to step aside and allow him to represent the Abia people in the red chambers.

Riding under the campaign matra of ” Enough is Enough, Ozu ola, Zukwanu Ike”, the ADC Abia North Senatorial candidate said his ambition talied with the pressing needs of Abia North people.

He regretted that Abia North people had been under represented, arguing that poverty levels have increased in many families, noting that the zone required a vibrant and prepared person who can be selfless in serving the people.

” I recognise the institution of the Senate and respect the office of the incumbent senator. However, respect must never prevent us from asking legitimate questions about performance and demanding better outcomes. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu served as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007, and his political record, like that of every public officeholder, should be open to scrutiny.

” Today, too many families still struggle with poverty, young people are searching for opportunities, and rural communities continue to demand better infrastructure. While the available statistics do not establish how many people entered poverty specifically during his tenure, the poverty challenges facing our people today demand a new approach. I believe Abia North deserves representation that places measurable development above political prominence. O ZULA Zukwanu Ike! ”

He made it clear that he was not seeking election into the Senate based on parochial mindset but explained that he is going to the Senate to pursue policies and laws that could create opportunities, lobby for Federal projects, influence budgetary allocations and also hold relevant agencies accountable, in order to ensure result deliveries.

” I am not seeking election into the Senate simply because I believe it is my turn. I am seeking the mandate because I believe we can do better. I want to bring a combination of legislative advocacy, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships and accountability to the representation of our people.

“My mission is to pursue policies and laws that create opportunities, lobby for federal projects, influence budgetary allocations and hold relevant agencies accountable for delivering results. My four legislative priorities are Education, Prosperity, Agriculture and Women’s Inclusion, and Infrastructure. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike!

“Education must become a practical pathway out of poverty. I will pursue legislative interventions and advocate policies that expand access to scholarships, technical and vocational education, digital skills and apprenticeship opportunities for disadvantaged young people across Abia North.

“I will lobby relevant federal agencies, educational institutions and development partners to support students and strengthen skills acquisition programmes. Our young people must be prepared not only to seek jobs but also to create businesses and employ others. I will advocate measurable targets that allow us to track students supported, qualifications earned and employment opportunities secured. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike !

2. PROSPERITY — ABIA NORTH ARISE

Our people do not need empowerment that begins and ends with the distribution of money during election seasons. They need sustainable opportunities that can support their families for years. That is why I am proposing ABIA NORTH ARISE — Agribusiness, Resilient Enterprises, Innovation and Sustainable Employment.

This is for supporting entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, graduates and small businesses through competitive grants, business training, mentoring, equipment support and access to markets. As a senator, I will pursue legislation and budgetary provisions that support enterprise development, lobby relevant agencies and development partners, and advocate transparent selection and monitoring of beneficiaries. O ZULA Zukwanu Ike!

He promised to dedicate 80% of his personal earnings and incomes as a senator, towards empowerment missions, job creation and other life- improving programs across the five LGAs of Abia North.

“As part of my personal commitment, I intend to dedicate 80% of my eligible personal Senate earnings and income towards this empowerment mission, subject to applicable laws and a transparent accountability framework. My proposed four-year target is to support 5,000 people into enterprise and mobilise 10,000 job and livelihood opportunities. These are targets we must work towards and measure honestly.

“I want to help build a generation of independent entrepreneurs rather than a population that depends permanently on politicians. Our success must be measured by businesses that survive, jobs sustained and families whose economic circumstances improve. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike!

3. AGRICULTURE AND WOMEN’S INCLUSION — TURNING POTENTIAL INTO PROSPERITY

“Abia North has enormous agricultural potential, but our farmers need improved access to finance, modern farming techniques, processing facilities, storage, transportation and reliable markets. I will pursue legislative and budgetary interventions that support agricultural development, rural enterprise and women’s economic inclusion.

“I will also lobby the relevant federal ministries, agricultural agencies and development institutions to direct more investment and technical assistance towards our communities. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike!

Ike Bishop Okoronkwo disclosed that

” My team and I have already begun conversations with potential development partners to explore opportunities for agricultural investment, enterprise development and women’s economic empowerment. These engagements include organisations such as Norfund, FMO, Proparco, DEG, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, TechnoServe, AGRA and the Gates Foundation.

“Our ambition is to work towards mobilising at least $5 million in eligible agricultural and enterprise investment across the district. These discussions are ongoing, and any funding will depend on project viability, due diligence and the approval of the relevant partners. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike!

I will champion agricultural investment partnerships across our five local government areas, connecting farmers, cooperatives and women-led businesses to finance, improved inputs, processing facilities and markets. I will advocate initiatives that move our farmers from subsistence production towards commercial agriculture and value-added processing. I will also support policies that expand women’s access to economic opportunities and encourage young people to see agriculture as a viable business rather than a last resort. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike! ”

He expressed dismay at the level of poor infrastructure in Abia North, despite the presence of the current Senator, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

4. INFRASTRUCTURE — ABIA NORTH CONNECT AND POWER

“No community can achieve its full economic potential without good roads and reliable electricity. Our roads must connect farms to markets, communities to commercial centres and rural producers to economic opportunities.

” I will pursue and support legislative interventions, lobby for federal budgetary allocations and advocate the rehabilitation of priority roads across Abia North, with particular attention to Ohafia, Abam, Isuikwuato and Acha. I will engage the relevant federal and state authorities to advance projects that improve transportation, trade and access to essential services. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike!

“On electricity, I will pursue policies and budgetary interventions that support improved power access in underserved communities. I will lobby the Rural Electrification Agency, relevant electricity distribution companies and other competent institutions to explore grid extensions, mini-grids and suitable renewable-energy solutions for rural communities, markets, schools, health facilities and agro-processing centres.

” I understand that a senator does not personally execute every road or electricity project. However, a committed senator can use legislation, appropriation, advocacy and oversight to push projects forward and demand accountability for approved funds. That is the representation I intend to provide. O ZULA, Zukwanu Ike !”.

He said that he offers a better deal for Abia North people than the present Senator, Orji Uzor Kalu.

“Senator Orji Uzor Kalu served as Governor of Abia State from 1999 to 2007. Today, years later, we must ask ourselves: have successive years of political representation delivered the level of prosperity our people deserve?

The reality confronting our communities is deeply troubling. Too many families continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. Our young people are searching for opportunities, our farmers are fighting to make a decent living, and many small businesses are struggling to survive.

“The 2022 National Bureau of Statistics Multidimensional Poverty Index estimated that approximately 28.8% of Abia North’s population experienced multidimensional poverty. This is a sobering reminder that political leadership must be judged by the quality of life of the people.

“Erosion is killing and wiping away communities within Abia North. Erosion sites have turn to campaign rallying points. Youths in Umunneochi and other parts have complained about poor roads and poor quality schools materials and fake claims of attracting 19 projects that can’t be verified and are not addressing the people’s needs.

“My position is clear: if years of political leadership have not delivered prosperity to our people at the level they deserve, then we must have the courage to demand a different approach.

“I am not entering this race to trade insults with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu or any other politician. I am entering this race to offer a better alternative. The red chamber is not a retirement home. No one up-to 78 years old will have the strength and the vigor to run around and serve his people…Our people deserve more than political prominence; they deserve economic opportunities, functioning infrastructure, quality education and a future in which hard work can lead to prosperity .

“Under my leadership, I will champion bills on new development model built around enterprise, agricultural investment, education and infrastructure. I will pursue measurable targets, publish progress reports and insist that public resources and development partnerships produce tangible benefits.

Abia North must no longer be satisfied with the politics of personalities when what we need is the politics of performance. Our people deserve a representative who will turn opportunities into results and promises into measurable progress.

The time has come to change the conversation, change the priorities and change the outcomes”, he pointed out.

Ike Bishop Okoronkwo dismissed the speculations that he did not understand the political tracks , maintaining that his achievements and successful records in political and business environments, puts him ahead of other contestants for the Abia North seat.