The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in Akwa Ibom State, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, has promised to inject N100bn into the state’s economy within his first 100 days in office if elected in the 2027 general elections.
Akpanudoedehe made the pledge on Monday in Uyo while unveiling his manifesto, titled “Rich Land, Poor People, Kill Poverty Before Poverty Kills Us.”
He said the manifesto was anchored on what he called the “Prosperity Agenda”, which would focus on empowering residents, growing the economy and delivering 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 proposed N100bn economic stimulus would provide accessible financing for entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, women and youths to stimulate economic activities, create jobs and unlock the productive potential of residents.
He also promised transparent social protection programmes, collateral-free microloans and a credit guarantee scheme, with the names of beneficiaries published irrespective of their political affiliations.
On education, the ADC candidate said his administration would restore eligible faith-based schools to their original owners willing to take them back, reintroduce grant-in-aid and upgrade public schools.
He also pledged to strengthen technical and vocational education, pay bursaries to Akwa Ibom students and sustain free and compulsory education from primary to secondary school.
Akpanudoedehe further proposed the establishment of 10 strategic development centres, one in each federal constituency, and five urban districts in Uyo, with proper master planning.
He also promised to establish a fourth tier of government across the state’s 2,664 villages, with monthly imprest to enable them to respond quickly to community needs.
On employment, the candidate pledged to equip youths with digital and technical skills, expand apprenticeship programmes, establish youth farm estates, promote local content and reserve at least 25 per cent of government appointments 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 per cent of government appointments for youths and women”, he added.
He said his administration would establish six major manufacturing industrial clusters, revitalise the Ibom Science Park, upgrade aviation maintenance facilities and complete the Ibaka Deep Seaport project.
Other proposals in the manifesto include establishing basic healthcare facilities in every ward, providing affordable health insurance for residents, installing free solar-powered streetlights, developing affordable housing and expanding access to clean water through treatment plants leveraging the Atlantic Ocean.
He also pledged support for agriculture, the blue economy and fishermen.
On governance and public service, Akpanudoedehe promised transparency and improved welfare for civil servants, including 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.