Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, has pledged to inject N100bn into the state’s economy within his first 100 days in office if elected governor in the 2027 general elections.
Akpanudoedehe unveiled the proposal on Monday in Uyo while presenting his manifesto, titled “Rich Land, Poor People, Kill Poverty Before Poverty Kills Us.”
The manifesto, built around what he described as the Prosperity Agenda, outlines plans to stimulate economic growth, reduce poverty, empower residents and expand access to opportunities across the state.
“Our promise is a government that empowers the people, grows the economy and delivers shared prosperity.
“Our mission is to create a greater Akwa Ibom where opportunity reaches every community and progress benefits every citizen. My administration will inject N100 billion into the state’s economy within its first 100 days in office,” he said.
He explained that the proposed economic stimulus would provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women and young people to encourage business expansion, create employment and increase economic activities.
The ADC candidate also promised collateral-free microloans, a credit guarantee scheme and transparent social protection programmes, with beneficiaries’ names published regardless of their political affiliations.
On education, Akpanudoedehe pledged to return eligible faith-based schools to their original owners willing to take them back, restore grant-in-aid programmes and improve public school infrastructure. He also promised to sustain free and compulsory education from primary to secondary levels, strengthen technical and vocational training and provide bursaries for Akwa Ibom students.
His development proposals include establishing 10 strategic development centres across the state’s 10 federal constituencies and five properly planned urban districts in Uyo.
He also proposed creating a fourth tier of government across Akwa Ibom’s 2,664 villages, supported by monthly imprest allocations to enable communities to address local development needs.
On youth employment, he promised digital and technical skills training, expanded apprenticeship programmes, youth farm estates and increased opportunities for local businesses. He also pledged to reserve at least 25 per cent of government appointments for young people and women.
“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 added.
To strengthen industrial development, Akpanudoedehe proposed establishing six major manufacturing clusters, revitalising the Ibom Science Park, upgrading aviation maintenance facilities and completing the Ibaka Deep Seaport project.
His healthcare proposals include establishing basic health facilities in every ward and providing affordable health insurance for residents. He also promised free solar-powered streetlights, affordable housing initiatives and improved access to clean water through treatment plants, including facilities leveraging the Atlantic Ocean.
The manifesto further outlines plans to support agriculture, fishermen and the blue economy as part of efforts to expand economic opportunities.
On public service, the ADC candidate pledged greater transparency, improved working conditions and welfare packages for civil servants, including housing and car loans.
He also proposed educational support for four children of every civil servant, covering nursery, primary, secondary and tertiary education, alongside improved security and greater inclusion of women, persons with disabilities and Nigerians in the diaspora.
