ADC candidate vows to pump N100bn into Akwa Ibom economy in 2027

The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, has promised to inject N100 billion into the state’s economy within his first 100 days if he wins the 2027 general elections.

Akpanudoedehe made this promise on Monday in Uyo while presenting his manifesto, named “Rich Land, Poor People, Kill Poverty Before Poverty Kills Us.”

He explained that the manifesto is based on what he calls the “Prosperity Agenda.” This agenda aims to empower residents, grow the economy, and ensure shared prosperity.

He said, “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.”

According to him, the N100 billion economic stimulus plan will give accessible financing to entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women, and youths. This is to boost economic activities, create jobs, and unlock the potential of residents.

He also promised transparent social protection programmes, collateral-free microloans, and a credit guarantee scheme. The names of beneficiaries will be published, no matter their political backgrounds.

On education, the ADC candidate said his administration would return eligible faith-based schools to their original owners who want them back. He plans to reintroduce grant-in-aid and upgrade public schools.

He also pledged to strengthen technical and vocational education, provide bursaries for Akwa Ibom students, and maintain free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school.

Akpanudoedehe further suggested setting up 10 strategic development centres, one in each federal constituency, and five urban districts in Uyo, with proper planning.

He also promised to create a fourth tier of government for the state’s 2,664 villages, with monthly funds to help them respond to community needs.

On employment, the candidate vowed to equip youths with digital and technical skills. He will expand apprenticeship programmes, create youth farm estates, promote local content, and reserve at least 25 percent of government jobs for youths 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 percent of government appointments for youths and women,” he added.

He said his administration would also set up six major manufacturing industrial clusters, revive the Ibom Science Park, improve aviation maintenance facilities, and complete the Ibaka Deep Seaport project.

Other proposals in the manifesto include establishing basic healthcare facilities in every ward, offering affordable health insurance for residents, installing free solar-powered streetlights, developing affordable housing, and expanding access to clean water using treatment plants from the Atlantic Ocean.

He also promised support for agriculture, the blue economy, and fishermen.

On governance and public service, Akpanudoedehe promised transparency and better welfare for civil servants, which includes housing and car loans.

He further proposed educational support for four children of every civil servant, from nursery to tertiary level, alongside improved security and greater inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and Nigerians in the diaspora.