***Labour Party Candidate Pledges Youth Empowerment, Healthcare Reforms, Women’s Inclusion and Effective Representation
Labour Party candidate for Owerri Federal Constituency, Dr. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has formally accepted her nomination for the House of Representatives seat, unveiling a comprehensive 10-point development agenda aimed at youth empowerment, economic growth, healthcare improvement, education, and effective legislative representation.
Speaking during the presentation of her Certificate of Return and official declaration of candidacy in Owerri on Wednesday, the former First Lady of Ondo State said her decision to contest for the House of Representatives after initially aspiring to represent Imo East Senatorial District was borne out of the need to strengthen unity within the Labour Party ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu explained that despite the expectations of many supporters who had hoped to see her emerge as the party’s senatorial candidate, she chose to place the collective interest of the party above personal ambition.
According to her, the Labour Party is emerging from a period of internal challenges and legal disputes, making sacrifice, teamwork, and cooperation necessary for rebuilding a stronger political platform.
“I chose to be a team player because I firmly believe that the success of our party is bigger than any individual ambition,” she said, adding that unity, discipline, and mutual respect remain critical to achieving the desired political change.
The Labour Party standard-bearer reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the interests of constituents through inclusive governance, youth development, women’s empowerment, and community-focused leadership.
Presenting her manifesto, she outlined ten strategic pillars that would guide her legislative activities if elected.
Top among the priorities is youth empowerment and job creation through her Empower2Become Youth Development Initiative, which she said would promote information technology, coding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, drone technology, solar energy skills, vocational training, entrepreneurship, and access to business support services.
On education, she pledged to advocate improved funding, better infrastructure, scholarships, STEM-focused learning, and innovation-driven programmes to equip young people for opportunities in the modern economy.
The candidate also promised to champion women empowerment through legislation that protects women’s rights, expands access to finance and entrepreneurship opportunities, and promotes greater participation of women in governance.
In the healthcare sector, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu said she would prioritize stronger primary healthcare systems, maternal and child health services, cancer awareness and screening programmes, mental health support, and telemedicine services for underserved communities.
She further pledged to advocate improved infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water supply, drainage systems, and environmental sanitation projects across the constituency.
Other key areas highlighted in her agenda include agriculture and food security, social protection for vulnerable groups, environmental sustainability, security enhancement through community collaboration, and accountable legislative representation.
On legislative engagement, the Labour Party candidate proposed stronger collaboration between federal and state lawmakers to improve development outcomes and ensure that government projects reach grassroots communities.
She noted that elected representatives often operate in isolation, stressing the need for coordinated planning and strategic partnerships to maximize resources and deliver greater benefits to constituents.
Describing leadership as a call to service rather than a quest for office, Dr. Anyanwu-Akeredolu pledged to serve with integrity, competence, accountability, and dedication.
She urged party members, supporters, and residents of Owerri Federal Constituency to become ambassadors of her campaign by mobilising support across communities and promoting a message of hope, inclusion, and development.
The Labour Party candidate expressed confidence that with collective effort, Owerri Federal Constituency could become more prosperous, secure, innovative, and inclusive, assuring voters that her campaign would focus on delivering tangible results and sustainable development.
She concluded by reaffirming her commitment to providing responsive representation and improving the quality of life of the people through impactful legislation and constituency-focused interventions.
