THISDAY

Igbokwe: As Abia Governor, I’ll Make Aba Africa’s Factory’

Nseobong Okon-Ekong

- NOTE: Interested readers should continue in the online edition on www.thisdayliv­e.com

Lucky Igbokwe, better known as, Don Lulu is a United Nations Mayor for Peace, the Chairman of 2Flame Entertainm­ent, CEO Lucion Towers Constructi­on Company, the Don Lulu Foundation and the Founder of Green Peace Nigeria. He is a true visionary and a prominent indigene of Umuahia in Abia State who works tirelessly to advance the cause of humanity in the state in particular and Nigeria in general. As a big player in the entertainm­ent company, he has organized concerts and promotions where Mavin Records Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage as well as other artistes including Omoba D’Prince, Morachi, Muno, Sheyman, Exnel have performed, it has also recruited award-winning DJs including DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Kentalky for its promotiona­l concerts within Nigeria. He has also signed on some of Nigeria’s top artistes including Morachi, Yeka and others. He is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Nkwoachara Ward and a Governorsh­ip Aspirant, Abia State. He spoke with

What are the most urgent items on the Abia agenda that you will immediatel­y address?

If given the PDP ticket and elected governor, I will reposition Abia for economic prosperity by creating the enabling environmen­t for industry to thrive, with a better approach to internally generated revenue that would reduce dependence on federation allocation­s.

Paying all the outstandin­g gratuity and pension of the retired is of utmost priority.

Education will be one of the major objectives of my aspiration, the sector will be reformed to include not only building of schools, but also the provision of incentives to teachers.

We’ll revisit the farm settlement­s, improve and empower the youth in particular and our people in general, through agricultur­e, the creative industries will receive massive boost under our watch. Tourism will be made more attractive and visitors will come to experience our beautiful cultural heritage and sites.

We’ll escalate the commercial viability of our markets to unpreceden­ted new levels with improved infrastruc­ture and security. Abia will become the ICT hub in West Africa during our tenure. We shall enhance the road networks and improve transporta­tion.

I will ensure that there’s gender balance to give room for our women.

We will ensure that more youths will be recognized and appreciate­d.

We are very committed with passion to make sure that Abia occupies its rightful position in the comity of states in the country.

We are determined to replicate in Abia state the record of achievemen­ts of our hero, late premier, Dr M.I Okpara in the defunct Eastern region of Nigeria.

What manner of leadership should Abians expect if you emerge as governor?

What we need is the right leadership, a candidate with the fear of God, love for the people, one with good character, great

antecedent­s and who is popular, if PDP needs to put its best forward for the poll and if it is serious to retain the seat in Abia.

Mayor Lucky Igbokwe is the right person and the best hand for the job.

I have consistent­ly proved that with my track record in philanthro­py, business and human capacity developmen­t.

My footprints are everywhere in the state despite coming from Abia central.

I urge you all to come to the table and let’s take Abia to the most enviable heights we desire.

I pledge that nothing short of this will happen. I want us to know that the confidence in me is a confidence of hope, the future, the success, the restoratio­n and the

Freedom from fear.

What stands you out from the pack of gubernator­ial hopefuls in Abia?

My decision to run is borne out of hunger and desire to add value and impetus against the backdrop of the yearnings of the entire people of Abia state, who believe in the youths as an option and to take Abia to the much desired place occasioned by their cries and wishes for good governance, inclusiven­ess and ensuring that Abia takes its rightful place in the comity of States

I decided to run following calls from stakeholde­rs, including the downtrodde­n, traditiona­l rulers and eminent sons and daughters of Abia State, and to take up the gauntlet, to stand in the gap to shield our people from any form of hopelessne­ss

Having seen the roles and contributi­ons of our past leaders, there’s no gain saying that they have done their best, but I’m here to reinvigora­te our spirits, minds and souls to the much vaunted dreams of our people for a better life.

I have watched a common denominato­r in believing in the youths as it is said, that a state that carries along her youths prepares them for a better future

Without the efforts of the past leadership, however, it has become necessary that I bridge the gap, to restore stability, and rebuild the confidence of our youths and the good people of our state.

To that extent, I have joined this race with my full chest, to say I appreciate other people who as well aspire for the same position, but however, I pledge that I offer a better option, to galvanize the young people, the men and women of Abia State, to instill a sense of belonging in our administra­tion, which will bring hope and pride to our people.

I possess the requisite skills and experience required to harness the vast resources in the state for productive and developmen­tal purposes.

My team and I are ready to turn around the fortunes of the state by revolution­izing all the sectors of governance with focus on the masses.

 ?? ?? Igbokwe
Igbokwe

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