By Douglas Princemola
Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu has unveiled a 10-point development agenda following her emergence as the Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives seat for Owerri Federal Constituency in Owerri ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The briefing was held shortly after she received her Labour Party Certificate of Return, confirming her as the party’s flag bearer for the constituency. The event drew party leaders, stakeholders, supporters, and well-wishers who gathered to witness the formal presentation.
Speaking during the press briefing, Dr Betty expressed appreciation to Labour Party members for the confidence reposed in her. She described her emergence as a significant milestone and a renewed call to service, noting that it comes with responsibility to contribute meaningfully to grassroots development.
She explained that her candidacy presents an opportunity to deepen engagement with constituents and advance practical solutions to the development challenges affecting communities across Owerri Federal Constituency.
Dr Betty emphasized that political leadership must remain service-driven and focused on delivering measurable impact. She said her priority would be to listen closely to constituents and translate their concerns into legislative action.
She also addressed her earlier withdrawal from the Imo East Senatorial race, explaining that the decision followed extensive consultations within the party and among stakeholders. According to her, the move was taken to strengthen unity within the Labour Party and improve its chances ahead of the 2027 elections.
She noted that internal cohesion remains critical to the party’s progress, adding that collaboration among members is essential for electoral success and effective representation.
Dr Betty further stated that leadership requires sacrifice and a commitment to collective goals. She maintained that her current political direction reflects a strategic choice aimed at better serving her constituency through focused legislative engagement.
She clarified that her decision to contest for the House of Representatives does not diminish her political vision but rather aligns it more closely with the needs of her constituency.
10-Point Development Agenda
During the briefing, she outlined her 10-point agenda as follows:
Youth empowerment and job creation: Expansion of digital skills training, including coding, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and vocational education to reduce unemployment.
Education reform: Advocacy for improved funding, better school infrastructure, teacher support, and expanded scholarship opportunities.
Women’s empowerment: Support for women-owned businesses, improved access to finance, and greater inclusion in leadership roles.
Healthcare improvement: Strengthening primary healthcare delivery, promoting cancer awareness and screening, and improving maternal and child health services.
Infrastructure development: Advocacy for improved roads, electricity supply, potable water, and drainage systems across communities.
Agriculture and food security: Support for agribusiness development, youth participation in farming, and agricultural value-chain growth.
Social welfare: Support for widows, elderly persons, persons living with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
Environmental sustainability: Promotion of waste management, sanitation initiatives, tree planting, and clean energy awareness.
Security collaboration: Strengthening community-based security efforts and cooperation with traditional and security institutions.
Effective representation: Regular engagement with constituents and improved coordination between federal and state lawmakers to attract development projects.
She urged her supporters to continue sharing her vision across communities and to actively promote civic participation. She noted that her approach to politics would remain focused on practical solutions to everyday challenges.
The briefing ended with expressions of support from attendees, who described her emergence as Labour Party candidate as a positive development for Owerri Federal Constituency ahead of the 2027 general elections.
