-
ADC governorship candidate, John Akpanuodehe, promises to inject ₦100 billion into Akwa Ibom’s economy within his first 100 days if elected.
-
Pledges collateral-free microloans for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women and youths, with beneficiaries selected transparently. Unveils plans for six industrial clusters, revitalisation of Ibaka Deep Seaport and Ibom Science Park, and free solar-powered electricity solutions.
-
Promises to establish 10 strategic development centres and a fourth tier of government across 2,664 villages.
-
Promises bursaries for students, affordable healthcare insurance and at least 25 per cent of government appointments for youths and women.
November 3, (THEWILL) – The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John James Akpanuodehe, has promised to inject ₦100 billion into the state’s economy within his first 100 days in office if elected in the 2027 governorship election.
Akpanuodehe, who unveiled his 2027–2031 manifesto tagged Rich Land, Poor People: The Prosperity Agenda, said the proposed intervention would provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women and young people to stimulate economic activities and create employment.
Presenting his development blueprint, the former senator said his administration would prioritise direct investment in the people, arguing that the state’s natural and economic resources had not translated into shared prosperity for its residents.
He promised to introduce collateral-free microloans and a credit guarantee scheme, with the names of beneficiaries published to ensure transparency. He also said access to the intervention would not be tied to membership of any political party.
On grassroots development, the ADC candidate proposed the establishment of 10 strategic government development centres across the state’s federal constituencies to promote balanced infrastructure, skills acquisition and economic opportunities.
He also promised to establish a fourth tier of government across the state’s 2,664 villages, with monthly imprest allocations to enable communities to address immediate needs, maintain infrastructure, strengthen security and promote accountability.
Akpanuodehe said his administration would restructure Uyo into five urban districts, supported by proper master plans, modern sewage systems and improved environmental sanitation. He also pledged to construct 1.5-kilometre access roads to local government secretariats in collaboration with the councils.
On employment, he promised to reserve at least 25 per cent of government appointments for youths and women, while expanding apprenticeship programmes, youth farm estates and opportunities for practical, digital and technical skills development.
The ADC candidate further pledged to establish six major manufacturing industrial clusters to attract secondary industries, while revitalising the Ibom Science Park to fulfil its original purpose and upgrading aviation maintenance facilities.
He also promised to pursue the completion of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project in line with the ADC presidential candidate’s manifesto, while retaining the project’s original status.
READ ALSO:
In the education sector, Akpanuodehe said his administration would maintain free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school, introduce bursary payments for Akwa Ibom students in higher institutions and upgrade public school infrastructure.
He added that his government would restore eligible faith-based schools to their original owners willing to take them back, while reintroducing grants-in-aid to government-approved faith-based institutions and strengthening technical and vocational education.
On healthcare, he promised to establish and modernise basic healthcare facilities in every ward and provide affordable health insurance coverage for residents, including accessible medical services for elderly citizens.
For infrastructure and electricity, the ADC candidate pledged to improve road networks, drainage, flood control and affordable housing, while providing free solar-powered streetlights and household solar solutions in rural communities within his four-year tenure.
He also proposed the establishment of strategically located water treatment plants to harness water resources from the Atlantic Ocean and extend access to clean drinking water across the state’s 10 proposed development centres and surrounding local government areas.
Akpanuodehe identified agriculture and the blue economy as major drivers of economic growth, promising improved seedlings, mechanisation, storage, processing facilities and market access for farmers, alongside financial support for fishermen and the revitalisation of rice production in Ini and other suitable areas.
On workers’ welfare, he promised improved training, digitalisation of the civil service, housing and car loans for government employees, as well as educational support for at least four children from each worker’s family, from nursery to tertiary level.
He further pledged an open-book approach to governance, improved security through community participation and collaboration with law enforcement agencies, and policies promoting inclusion of women, youths, persons with disabilities and Akwa Ibom people in the diaspora.
The manifesto also identified improved waste management, drainage, coastal protection and environmental assessments as priorities for addressing climate and environmental challenges in the state.
Akpanuodehe said the overarching objective of the Prosperity Agenda was to build an economically vibrant, secure and investment-friendly Akwa Ibom where opportunities would reach every community and development would benefit all citizens.
