2027: ADC Abia North Senatorial Candidate Ike Bishop Okoronkwo Promises 10,000 Jobs, Unveils Campaign Council

Ike Bishop Okoronkwo, the Abia North Senatorial Candidate for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has promised to support 5,000 people into enterprise and mobilise 10,000 jobs and livelihood opportunities within four years if elected in the 2027 general elections.

Okoronkwo made the promise on Monday during a press conference at the ADC secretariat in Umuahia, where he unveiled his legislative agenda and outlined plans to prioritise education, economic empowerment, agriculture, women’s inclusion and infrastructure.

Under his proposed economic empowerment programme, ABIA NORTH ARISE, Bishop said he would pursue initiatives to support entrepreneurs, artisans, traders, graduates and small business owners through grants, business training, mentorship, equipment support and access to markets.

He also pledged to dedicate 80 per cent of his eligible personal Senate earnings and income to the empowerment programme, subject to applicable laws and a transparent accountability framework.

On education, Okoronkwo unveiled the IBO Future Builders initiative, which he said would focus on scholarships, technical and vocational training, digital skills and apprenticeship opportunities for disadvantaged youths.

He said he would work with relevant federal agencies, educational institutions and development partners to expand access to education and skills acquisition programmes.

The ADC candidate also disclosed that his team had begun discussions with potential development partners, including Norfund, FMO, Proparco, DEG, the United States International Development Finance Corporation, TechnoServe, AGRA and the Gates Foundation, to explore agricultural and enterprise investment opportunities.

He said the engagements were aimed at mobilising at least $5 million in eligible investments across Abia North, adding that any funding would depend on project viability, due diligence and approval by the relevant partners.

Okoronkwo said he would pursue legislative and budgetary interventions to improve farmers’ access to finance, modern farming techniques, processing facilities, storage and markets, while promoting women’s economic participation.

On infrastructure, he promised to advocate the rehabilitation of priority roads, particularly in Ohafia, Abam, Isuikwuato and Acha, as well as improved electricity access in underserved communities.

He said he would engage relevant federal agencies, including the Rural Electrification Agency, to explore grid extensions, mini-grids and renewable energy solutions for rural communities, markets, schools, health facilities and agro-processing centres.

Addressing poverty in the district, Okoronkwo cited the 2022 National Bureau of Statistics Multidimensional Poverty Index, which he said estimated that approximately 28.8 per cent of Abia North’s population experienced multidimensional poverty.

He expressed concern over erosion, poor road conditions, inadequate educational facilities and youth unemployment, arguing that the district needed a development approach focused on measurable results.

Although he acknowledged the office of the incumbent senator, Orji Uzor Kalu, Okoronkwo said public officeholders should be assessed based on their performance and the impact of their service on the people.

He maintained that his ambition was to offer an alternative based on accountability, economic opportunities and sustainable development rather than personality-driven politics.

“The time has come to change the conversation, change the priorities and change the outcomes,” he said.

Okoronkwo also unveiled his campaign council at the press conference, naming Ugochukwu Uwaeke as Director-General and Major Kalu Agwu (rtd.) as Deputy Director-General.

Other members include Barrister Reginald Nwaokocha as Director of Finance, Chief Orji Awa Kalu as Director of Operations, Mazi Ejiofor Ezeani as Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Nwaobi Victoria Oby as Director of Support Groups and Special Groups, Blessing Williams as Women Leader, and Chukwudi Ogbunde as Youth Leader.

He urged youths, women, farmers, traders, professionals and community leaders to support his vision for Abia North, promising to use the legislative, budgetary and oversight powers of the Senate to pursue development projects and hold relevant agencies accountable.