ABIA PDP CANDIDATE UNVEILS PLANS FOR TRADERS AND INDUSTRY

The Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr Kelechi Anosike, has proposed establishing a microfinance bank for traders, artisans and entrepreneurs if elected governor in 2027.

Anosike made the proposal during a consultation with members of the Old Bende Progressive Union in Aba, where he outlined some of his economic and welfare plans for the state.

He said the proposed Traders Microfinance Bank, which would be headquartered in Aba, would provide interest-free and collateral-free revolving loans to beneficiaries. According to him, trade unions, pressure groups and community associations would access the facility through registered cooperative societies.

The PDP candidate also pledged to establish three industries annually to create employment opportunities and reduce youth migration from the state.

Anosike further proposed the establishment of the Abia Labour Global Opportunities Agency, which he said would connect young people with employment opportunities abroad, including remote and virtual jobs.

On agriculture, he promised to introduce Operation Feed Abia, a back-to-farm programme aimed at increasing food production and reducing the cost of living.

He also proposed a health insurance scheme that would subsidise healthcare costs for registered beneficiaries by 60 per cent.

While acknowledging the current administration's road construction efforts, Anosike criticised its industrial development record and said his proposed programmes would combine infrastructure development with economic and social welfare initiatives.

The candidate urged residents to support his party in the 2027 elections, while the President of the Old Bende Progressive Union, DIG Azubuko Udah, said the organisation remained apolitical and primarily focused on socio-cultural matters.