Candidate of the Labour Party (LP) for the House of Representatives, Owerri Federal Constituency seat in the 2027 general elections, Dr Betty Anyanwu Akeredolu, has promised to change the face of governance in the constituency, in emulation of fellow LP member and Abia State governor, Dr mAlex Otti, if elected.
This is even as the former first lady described of Ondo State described Otti as a role model for good governance and advocate for paradigm shift across the country.
Akeredolu made the promise while addressing journalists in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
Popularly known as Ada Owere 1, she stressed that the time had come for her constituents to experience the dividends of good governance at all levels, hence her decision to join the race.
Akeredolu hailed Otti’s governance style, describing it as “the gold standard” and insisting that the LP had risen above mediocrity and would replicate good governance, if given the opportunity through the ballot. While advising other governors to emulate this footprint for the sustainable development of the nation, she also eulogized the Nenadi Usman-led LP, describing it as proof that women can lead well, hence the need for her constituents to line up behind her and experience the desired outcomes.
Akeredolu who is also the Founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria and a cancer survivor herself, highlighted that she would give attention to proper healthcare delivery through robust synergy with actors in the state and LGA levels.
Dr. Akeredolu harped on her experience, credibility and compassion and assured the people of Owerri federal constituency that if elected, she would project their needs at the federal level through legislative actions.
She said , “ I have compassionately organized a summer boot camp for girls to learn ICT and other skills since 2017, and over 3,000 girls have benefited from this training.
“ Governance is not rocket science, as has been proven by the LP in Abia state, through Dr. Otti and I promise to replicate same here and reduce unemployment to a barest minimum through digital skill acquisition and empowerment programs “, she said.
She added that she would address the menace of insecurity through regular town hall meetings led by traditional rulers, to keep her constituents abreast of developments in their neighborhoods.
According to her, young men would be encouraged to volunteer to assist in securing their communities and the incentives would be attractive.
Dr. Akeredolu urged her constituents not to despair but to be rest assured that no level of intimidation would make her chicken out of the race to rescue the federal constituency from many years of neglect and decay.
“ Road construction will now be both for urban and rural areas because the grassroots and the local government level must feel the impact of dividends of democracy.
“ I am not contesting to feed, I am presenting myself to serve and to do things that will truly benefit our people.
“ I will reduce youth unemployment, build health centers, rejuvenate our education system and build synergy between tiers of government at all levels, irrespective of political party disparity.
“ We will do a new thing. Let’s give women a chance for creativity and optimal productivity “, she said.
