Ebonyi 2027: Chief Ifeanyi Odii Has Capacity To Transform Ebonyi State – Says Chief Solomon Aguene

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

 Chief Solomon Aguene, former president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Lagos State, has called on Ebonyi indigenes at home and in the diaspora to rally behind Chief Ifeanyi Odii ahead of the 2027 governorship election in the state. He made the call during a stakeholders meeting held in Lagos over the weekend.

Chief Aguene described Chief Odii as a great son of Ebonyi State with the capacity, experience and integrity needed to transform the state. According to him, Ebonyi 2027 requires a leader who understands development and has a proven track record of touching lives without holding public office.

“Chief Ifeanyi Odii is not a stranger to service. He is a super philanthropist whose personal resources have consistently supported education, healthcare and youth empowerment across Ebonyi communities,” Chief Aguene said during the meeting.

He noted that one of the biggest advantages Odii brings to the table is financial independence. Chief Aguene stated that because Odii has money of his own, he will use the public funds for the betterment of the people and connections to attract development to Ebonyi State.

“Ebonyi needs a governor who has the interest of Ebonyi State at heart,  Chief Odii already has money and has been using it to help our people. That kind of mindset will reduce corruption and increase service delivery,” he added.

Chief Aguene noted that former Ebonyi State governors including the present Governor have performed and stated that Chief Ifeanyi Odii has touched many lives in Ebonyi State and will do well if he emerges as Governor.

He revealed that Chief Odii built over 140 houses for Ebonyi people with sophisticated building materials from abroad to demonstrate that he does not discriminate among the people.

Aguene highlighted Odii’s network and connections as critical for the state’s growth. He said the businessman has strong relationships with investors, development partners and leaders across Nigeria and beyond, which Ebonyi can leverage for job creation and infrastructure development.

He argued that Odii’s background in business and enterprise makes him well positioned to create an environment where industries and small businesses can thrive and job opportunities in all 13 local government areas.

“With his contacts, Chief Odii can bring investors to build factories, improve agriculture and expand our digital economy. That is what Ebonyi needs now, not politics of bitterness or division,” Chief Aguene stated.

He further praised Odii’s humility and accessibility, saying the governorship hopeful relates freely with both the elite and ordinary citizens. Chief Aguene said such leadership style will unite the state and reduce the divisions that have slowed progress in the past.

The stakeholders meeting also discussed the need for unity among Ebonyi political leaders ahead of 2027. Chief Aguene urged all factions to put the interest of the state first and support a candidate with capacity rather than sentiment or zoning arguments alone.

He concluded by calling on traditional rulers, town unions, women groups and youth organisations across Ebonyi to begin early mobilisation for Odii. According to him, 2027 is an opportunity for Ebonyi to elect a governor with vision, integrity and the financial capacity to deliver results.

Chief Ifeanyi Odii is a businessman and philanthropist who has been involved in several empowerment programmes across Ebonyi State. He contested the governorship election in 2023 under the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and remains active in community development initiatives aimed at reducing poverty in the state.