Dr. Kelechi Anosike, the 2027 governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State, has announced plans to establish a micro-finance bank to improve the economic welfare of Abians if elected. The bank, which will be headquartered in Aba, aims to provide interest-free revolving loans to traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs. This initiative is part of Anosike's broader Economic Welfare Policy for Abians, designed to alleviate economic hardship.
Anosike made this announcement during a consultation with members of the Old Bende Progressive Union in Aba. He emphasized that his primary goal is to make life easier for Abians, who are currently facing severe economic hardship due to the Labour Party-led administration's failure to introduce adequate welfare measures to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Anosike described himself as a welfarist and outlined that beneficiaries of the micro-finance bank only need to be guaranteed by the leadership of their respective unions to qualify for the loans.
The proposed micro-finance bank will operate under a cooperative economics model, allowing several pressure groups, trade unions, and community association groups to register with the bank as cooperative societies. Anosike explained that this model, termed Cooperative Economics, will facilitate access to financing for Abians. He expressed his commitment to improving the lives of Abians, citing the need for economic empowerment.
In addition to the micro-finance bank, Anosike promised to establish three industries annually to tackle unemployment in the state. He criticized the incumbent government for failing to build a single industry in three and a half years, leading to a high rate of unemployment among youths. Anosike emphasized that his administration will focus on creating job opportunities for the youths, thereby reducing the exodus of young people to other states and cities.
Anosike's plan to address unemployment also includes setting up the Abia Labour Global Opportunities Agency. This agency will connect youths to job opportunities abroad, particularly virtual jobs, allowing them to earn in dollars. Anosike highlighted the intelligence and potential of Abia's youths, emphasizing that they can excel in virtual jobs that require internet connectivity.
Furthermore, Anosike promised to achieve food sufficiency through an agriculture programme dubbed Operation Feed Abia (OFA). This back-to-farm state policy aims to encourage everyone to have a farm, ensuring enough food production and reducing the cost of living. Anosike expressed his commitment to ensuring that Abians enjoy a better standard of living, citing the need for massive agricultural development.
Anosike's comprehensive plan for Abia's economic development and welfare has been presented to various stakeholders, including the Old Bende Progressive Union. His proposals aim to address the current economic challenges faced by Abians, providing a roadmap for sustainable economic growth and improved living standards. The implementation of these plans will depend on Anosike's success in the 2027 governorship election.
Key points
- Dr. Kelechi Anosike plans to establish a micro-finance bank to provide interest-free loans to Abians.
- Anosike aims to create three industries annually to tackle unemployment in Abia State.
- The Abia Labour Global Opportunities Agency will connect youths to virtual job opportunities abroad.
