Prof Obiora Okonkwo Formally Declares Intention To Contest Anambra Governorship Election Under APC 

Dikeora, in his speech during the inauguration of the Provisional Campaign Council and declaration of intention to contest on 31st January, 2025, at Ire Village, Ogidi, Idemili North LGA, Anambra State, said, “My fellow Anambrarians, distinguished guests, party faithful, esteemed elders, members of the All Progressives Congress, and all lovers of progress, I stand before you today, humbled, honoured with a deep sense of responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the future of our dear Anambra State to declare my intention to contest the forthcoming governorship election and to inuagurate a provisional campaign council for the party primary”.

“I have made this decision as a proud son of Anambra state, driven by a deep sense of responsibility, to contribute my quota to the development of our beloved state. This is a decision I have made after deep reflection, extensive consultations with stakeholders, and a profound desire to serve.”

“Anambra is a land of limitless potential, blessed with some of the brightest minds, the most industrious entrepreneurs, and the most resilient people in Nigeria. But for too long, our great state has not lived up to its full promise. We have watched with concern as opportunities have been lost, governance has fallen short of expectations, and the pains and horror of insecurity have left our people living in the bondage of fear. Today, our people earnestly cry for real security and progress.”

“I step forward because I believe Anambra deserves the best. I believe that, together, we can build a state that truly works for everyone; a state where governance is about service to the people and not to self; a state where opportunities are created, and where prosperity is shared by all.”

“My fellow Anambrarians, as I step forward, I make bold to say that this is not just about a campaign; rather, this is a movement to reclaim our state from stagnation and place it on the path of sustainable development. However, I cannot do it alone. I need your support, your ideas, your participation, and your prayers. Together, we can make Anambra a shining example of excellence and good governance. Together, we can re-write the story of Anambra state. Together, we can reclaim Anambra from insecurity and return it to its pre-eminent place in the history of our country.”

“My vision on this movement is clear: ours is to build an Anambra that is prosperous, secure, and globally competitive; an Anambra that harnesses the potential of its people and resources to become the economic powerhouse of the Southeast. An Anambra that gives its children the freedom to develop and become what God has planned out for them.”

“Ndi Anambra, to achieve this, I present to you a brief of agenda for the renewal, reclamation and rejuvenation of life in our dear state. If you say yes, then, together with you, this movement will focus on these key pillars:

o Security and Good Governance

o Economic Transformation and Job Creation

◇ Infrastructure Development

◇ Education and Human Capital Development

◇ Agriculture and Rural Development

◇ Technology and skill acquisation

◇ Value reorientation, reclaiming of our heritage and reversing the adverse trends

“As you know, no society can thrive without security and accountable leadership. For this reason, if you say yes, we will work closely together with security agencies, invest in community policing, and ensure transparency and efficiency in government.”

“We will also use good governance structures to unlock the industrial and commercial potential of Anambra by creating a business-friendly environment that attracts investment, supports local entrepreneurs, and generates employment for our youth.”

“Working together with our experts, we shall ensure that our roads, markets, schools, and hospitals get the attention that they deserve to make them serve the people. We will embark on massive infrastructural renewal to connect our communities, enhance trade, and improve the quality of life for all Anambra people.”

“We shall not fiddle with the education of our children. For this reason, education and human capital development will become once again, the foundations for the regeneration of Anambra. We will prioritize quality education, vocational training, and skills development to ensure that our young people are equipped for the future. In addition, we shall take strategic and collaborative steps to institutionalise Nkwado Ogaranya (Igba Boi) so that we may re-invigorate the entrepreneurial spirit of Ndi Anambra.”

“We all know that Anambra is blessed with fertile and arable land and hardworking farmers. For this, we will revolutionize agriculture, empower farmers, and create an agribusiness ecosystem that ensures food security and wealth creation. Don’t tell me that we do not have massive lands for agriculture. China doesn’t either. However, it is the world leader in agriculture and food production with only 10percent of its total land area good enough for farming.”

“In a nutshell, if you wave the green light, I pledge to prioritize the welfare and well-being of our people, particularly the youth, women, and vulnerable populations. I will champion policies and programs that would make for inclusive and transparent government, where every citizen has a voice and a stake in our collective prosperity.”

“I will foster a culture of accountability, integrity, and excellence in governance, ensuring that our state resources are utilized efficiently and effectively.”

“Ndi Anambra, it is for this movement and for the good of our collective future that I intend to pursue this vision on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”

“The APC has shown, at the national level, that with the right leadership, transformation is possible. I am ready to bring that transformation to Anambra. I am ready to serve. I am ready to lead.”

“To my fellow APC members, I pledge to uphold the values and principles of our great party, promoting unity, discipline, and loyalty. Together, we will work tirelessly to ensure that our party emerges victorious in the 2025 governorship election in November.”

“To the good people of Anambra State, I ask for your support and trust as we embark on this journey towards a brighter future.

Let us work together to build an Anambra State that is secure, safe, prosperous, peaceful, and proud of its heritage.

Let us rise, together, and Make Anambra Happy Again! God bless Anambra State!

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria!” Prof Okonkwo concluded.