The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has criticised Governor Francis Nwifuru’s administration, arguing that its development priorities have not sufficiently addressed poverty, unemployment and economic growth in the state.
Sahara Reporters reported that Odii made the remarks while speaking on Channels Television as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 governorship election. He said he would have placed greater emphasis on agriculture, industrialisation, rural infrastructure and human-capital development if elected governor.
The PDP candidate questioned the justification for some major infrastructure projects, including the state airport and flyovers, arguing that government spending should be directed towards areas capable of creating jobs and improving household incomes.
According to Odii, Ebonyi’s agricultural potential provides an opportunity to diversify the state’s economy through mechanised farming, improved rural roads, farmer support and agro-processing. He said crops such as rice, cassava and yam could support industries and generate employment if more value were added locally.
He also outlined plans to attract private investment by improving the business environment and developing industries around the state’s agricultural and mineral resources. Odii said his proposed administration would establish skills-acquisition centres where young people could receive training in trades including tailoring, carpentry, fishery, animal husbandry, POP installation and agriculture.
On education, the PDP candidate promised scholarships and improved learning facilities, while also proposing a dedicated ministry for senior citizens to coordinate healthcare and welfare programmes across Ebonyi’s 13 local government areas.
Odii described his proposed approach as a “rescue mission” focused on reducing poverty and expanding economic opportunities. He also said his administration would introduce measures against child labour and the movement of children from Ebonyi communities into exploitative domestic work.
While acknowledging that successive governments had contributed to the state’s infrastructure, he questioned whether some projects represented the most urgent needs of residents, describing some as “white elephant projects.”
He said Ebonyi’s agricultural and mineral resources could form the foundation for stronger economic growth if linked with investment, infrastructure, industrial processing and job creation.
