The Akwa Ibom governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator John Akpanudoedehe, has promised to reserve at least 25 per cent of government appointments for youths and women if elected in 2027.
The former senator also pledged to inject N100bn into the state's economy within his first 100 days in office, as part of a proposed economic recovery programme aimed at tackling poverty and unemployment.
Akpanudoedehe unveiled his manifesto, titled Rich Land, Poor People, Kill Poverty Before Poverty Kills Us, in Uyo on Monday, outlining what he described as his “Prosperity Agenda”.
He said the plan would focus on economic empowerment, job creation and ensuring that development benefits residents across the state.
“Our promise is a government that empowers the people, grows the economy and delivers shared prosperity,” he said.
“My administration will inject N100bn into the state's economy within its first 100 days in office.”
The ADC candidate said the proposed stimulus would provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women and youths to stimulate economic activities and unlock the productive potential of residents.
He also promised collateral-free microloans, a credit guarantee scheme and transparent social protection programmes, with beneficiaries' names published regardless of their political affiliations.
On employment, Akpanudoedehe pledged to equip young people with digital and technical skills, expand apprenticeship programmes, establish youth farm estates and promote local content.
“We will ensure our youths are adequately equipped with digital and technical skills, expand apprenticeship, create youth farm estates, promote local content and reserve at least 25 per cent of government appointments for youths and women,” he said.
The candidate also proposed the establishment of six major manufacturing industrial clusters, the revitalisation of Ibom Science Park, the upgrading of aviation maintenance facilities and the completion of the Ibaka Deep Seaport project.
He said his administration would establish 10 strategic development centres across the state's federal constituencies and five urban districts in Uyo.
Akpanudoedehe further proposed a fourth tier of government across Akwa Ibom's 2,664 villages, with monthly imprest to enable communities to address local needs.
In education, he promised to sustain free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school, pay bursaries to students and strengthen technical and vocational education.
He also pledged to restore eligible faith-based schools to their original owners willing to take them back, reintroduce grant-in-aid and upgrade public schools.
Other proposals include basic healthcare facilities in every ward, affordable health insurance, free solar-powered streetlights, affordable housing and improved access to clean water.
The ADC candidate also promised support for agriculture, the blue economy and fishermen, alongside improved welfare for civil servants, including housing and car loans.
He said his proposed administration would provide educational support for four children of every civil servant from nursery to tertiary level and promote the inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and Nigerians in the diaspora.
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