Ward Congresses: ‘Let’s Put our Best Foot Forward’, Ekweremadu Urges Delegates

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) kick-starts processes for the nomination of its candidates in the 2019 general elections, the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has called on faithful to ensure a free, fair, and credible ward congresses to elect the three-man ad-hoc delegates.

Ekweremadu, who took to his social media handles @iamekweremadu to make the call, described the ward congresses as the bedrock of the party’s expected victory in the general elections, reminded party faithful that it was time to showcase to Nigerians a thoroughly rebranded PDP that is ready to lead the charge to rescue Nigeria.

He said: “As the processes for the election of our flag bearers for the various offices begin, let me remind party faithful that in view of the harrowing experience of citizens and the nation’s dwindling fortunes in all respects in the last three years, Nigerians look up to our rebranded political platform to lead the charge to rescue Nigeria and give citizens new hope and lease of life.

“This ward congresses, therefore, represent our first step to reclaiming power and we must put our best foot forward. We must demonstrate the highest democratic ethos to reassure Nigerians that their renewed trust in us is rightly reposed.

“We must not only ensure that justice is done to all in a free, fair, credible, and peaceful process and atmosphere, we must also ensure that the party faithful, especially the aspirants and their supporters, see the processes to be free, fair, credible, peaceful, and just”.

Okeahialam Promises Ahiazu/Ezinhitte Youths ‘Real Future’

The people of Ahiazu/Ezinhitte Federal Constituency in Imo State have had representatives in the House of Representatives since the creation of the area. They certainly have had but it is unlikely to be like the kind of representation that a young Ekezie Johnbosco Okeahialam is offering them come 2019, writes Kunle Adewale

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he young economist has expressed his determination to change the course of things by pioneering a workable youth empowerment programme like never seen before in the history of governance in Ahiazu/Ezinhitte or indeed in Nigeria.

“Things have got to change in Nigeria and with a start at my own constituency. We have to measure the way we are represented at the both the state and federal levels by what we actually give back to those we are representing in real terms. At the end of every tenure, Nigerians must be able to appreciate the impact we have made to their lives and the area in clear terms without any marketing from us.

“The electorates must able to count on their fingertips what our presence in Abuja has been able to do for them. I want to help transit Imo State from a cost centre to a revenue generating state by stimulating private sector and consumer spending through the commercialisation of sports and entertainment.

“Expert studies over time have proven that sports and entertainment is the only viable industry suitable for the economic structure of Imo State that can stimulate economic business activities in these areas which I will mention here. They are food and beverage industries; hotels and hospitality; clothing and textile – merchandising; flights and tourism; nightlife spending and of course talent development and representation.”

And the young entrepreneur adds.

“I will utilize all available human resources to lobby, negotiate and attract value-driven benefits for the Ahiazu/Ezinihitte constituency through the policies and activities of committees such as aids, loans and debt management committee dealing with immediate and sustainable aid and loan reliefs. We should have basic education and service committee to negotiate access to better healthcare for the constituency. The labour, employment and productivity committee should be able to drive empowerment for men, women and youth of the constituency.”

Ekezie can draw up these lists because he has been truly tested as a professional. While at one of Africa’s biggest tourism and travels company, Waka.now Limited, it took less than a year to move up from the position of a Business Development Specialist to the Chief Operating Officer of the Continental Basketball League. CBL is produced and operated by Continental Sports and Entertainment and CSE is Africa’s leading sports and entertainment-management company modelled to create sustainable brand development; events and lifestyle properties.

Ekezie is one the strong backbones driving the continental success. As the Chief Operating Officer, he is the number two decision maker and in charge of all footprint locations and operations across 8 African countries.

It is such expertise and exposure that the young Ekezie wants to put to use for the people of Imo state and indeed Nigeria in general at the National Assembly. Since his campaign train hit the tracks the people of his constituency have expressed their happiness that resourceful young Nigerians are taking up the challenge of governance. His campaign rallies and meetings have been attended by the highest number of youths and professionals and have been largely adjudged as the most civil in nature.

“What we are doing is what the clergy refer to as a calling. I am into with all my conscience and with a determination to change the way we operate and make things work. It is possible to make governance is Nigeria work as it is United States of America, France and elsewhere.”

Ekezie Johnbosco Okeahialam was born March 11, 1983 at St. Michael Maternity Clinic in Obokwu, Ezinihitte Mbaise to the family of Chief Engr. Ignatius Ekenna Okeahialam and Ezinne Dr. Bar Lolo Celine Ukachi Okeahialam. He was at St. Bridget’s Primary School Abayi, Aba. He moved on Dallas County Community Colleges in the United States for his first degree where he finished with a first class degree in Economics and went on to acquire master’s degree in Business Analytics and Consulting at Warwick Business Business, Warwick University, United Kingdom.