By Emmanuel Oloniruha
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi, Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, has pledged to reposition the state and address what he described as a deficit in visionary leadership if elected in 2027.
Odii made the promise 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 harness the state’s untapped human and natural resources.
According to him, the aspirations of Ebonyi’s founding fathers and mothers for a prosperous and inclusive state have yet to be fully realised.
Paying tribute to notable leaders, including Akanu Ibiam, Martin Elechi and Offia Nwali, Odii said the state possessed enormous potential that remained underutilised.
“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 modern governance required a business-oriented approach capable of unlocking opportunities in solid minerals, agriculture and human capital development.
He promised to prioritise people-centred infrastructure, quality primary healthcare and economic policies that would create jobs and improve living standards.
Odii also dismissed zoning debates, arguing that competence, capacity and collective progress should take precedence over sectional interests.
“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 dependency on political patronage, Odii said the state must encourage 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 implement an ambitious human capital development programme focused 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 future elections.
Reflecting on previous elections, he assured supporters that measures had been put in place to safeguard votes and strengthen electoral participation in the 2027 polls.
Also speaking, Chairman of the occasion, Mr Onwe Onwe, said the business community believed Odii possessed the competence and commitment required to advance the state’s development.
Similarly, Chairman of the Ebonyi Community in Abuja, Mr Chukwuma Igwe, expressed confidence in Odii’s candidacy and assured him of the community’s support.
A House of Representatives aspirant, Mr Eni Chima, urged voters to prioritise competence and leadership capacity, expressing confidence that Odii would deliver effective governance if elected.(NAN)
OBE/AMM
========
Edited by Abiemwense Moru