Local content patronage of products from Ukwa East will be a core policy thrust of my government, Professor Eleazar Uche Ikonne assures the Leaders, Stakeholders, and delegates of Ukwa East Local Government while seeking their support in the forthcoming Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship primary election.
Professor Ikonne promised that his government if voted into office by the Grace of God and support of Ndi Abia will vigorously pursue expanded thresholds for the official use of their Akwete clothes and local gin “ete ete”. He also assured the people of Ukwa East LGA that his government will continue from the solid foundation already laid by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu in this area of SME development but will put it on a faster lane through the introduction of technologically driven weaving, auto Mills, and refined brewing of the “ete ete”. For the young people, he promised to support and encourage them to return to these Ukwa crafts by introducing technology with its attendant economic rewards. “There will be the automation of Akwate’s age-long craft of forming fabric by interlacing threads using local looms. The economy of Ukwa East will greatly improve as demand for the refined local “ete ete” and Akwete clothes will increase, thus; creating jobs for the young people of Ukwa East. The local government, under Professor Ikonne’s watch will be economically reengineered to be self-sufficient.”, the leading PDP governorship aspirant Professor Ikonne added.
As an agent of positive change, Professor Ikonne told his audience that he gets things done, even when it seems herculean. He recalled how he broke the jinx and introduced the Engineering faculty at Abia State University (Absu), which hitherto seemed impossible. As Vice-Chancellor, he painstakingly pursued the processes till it was approved by Nigeria Universities Commission. The requirements for the approval and accreditation of the Faculty of engineering will scare any public servant, who isn’t prepared to take on tasking challenges but as a steady hand with experience and impressive records, the erudite Professor Ikonne achieved it; he will replicate the same as Governor by solving all those daunting challenges bedeviling Abia. He also brought in pharmacy, Optometry, and many other courses that were elusive at that time, which shored up the student population of Abia State University. Professor Ikonne who is known for fulfilling promises said he wasn’t in Ukwa East to campaign but to enter a social contract with them; urging them to do theirs by voting him massively in the forthcoming PDP primary election and be assured that his part shall be done as he has a track record of keeping promises.
Professor Ikonne promised to touch every strategic road in Ukwa East and turn the blue river into a tourist destination of choice. The renowned Academic, unlike the everyday politician, has his word as his bond and his integrity as his most valued currency, he will make good promises as records have shown.
Notable among the stakeholders present are; Hon. Chucks Wabara, the executive chairman of Ukwa East LGA, Hon. Paul Taribo, member representing the good people of Ukwa East in the state Assembly, Sir Okechi Nwoha, Rt. Hon. Emeka Stanley, Hon. Tony Nwanmuo and so many others
THOUGHTS: Professor Ikonne is best suited at this pivotal time to put Abia on the fastest lane of economic advancement, infrastructural and human capital development; taking advantage of the strong foundations laid by Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.
UCHE NDI ABIA 2023
