Akoko-Edo Constituency 2: NDP Candidate Unveils Five-Point Development Manifesto

The Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP) candidate for Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 in the Edo State House of Assembly, Dr. Austine Oyarekwa Felix, has unveiled a five-point development manifesto anchored on effective representation, job creation, education, healthcare, infrastructure and responsible management of the constituency’s mineral resources.

Oyarekwa Felix, while presenting what he described as “The People’s Manifesto for Akoko-Edo Constituency 2,” said his vision is to build a constituency where political representation translates into measurable development and improved economic opportunities for residents.

According to him, Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 possesses enormous human, agricultural and mineral resources capable of driving prosperity, but many communities are yet to fully benefit from their potential.

He noted that gaps in basic infrastructure, including roads, schools, healthcare facilities, electricity and access to economic opportunities, continue to affect residents, particularly those in rural communities.

Akoko-Edo is widely associated with agriculture, trade and natural resources, while Edo State has significant deposits of solid minerals, including limestone, dolomite and other commercially valuable resources. The state government has also identified solid minerals as an important component of its strategy for inclusive economic growth.

Oyarekwa Felix said his ambition is therefore to ensure that the constituency moves from having untapped potential to achieving inclusive and sustainable development.

Representation That Is Accessible And Accountable

At the centre of his manifesto is a commitment to make representation more accessible to constituents.

The NDP candidate promised to establish a constituency office that would remain accessible to residents across the wards, regardless of political affiliation.

He also pledged to organise quarterly town-hall meetings where residents would have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and receive updates on the activities of their representative.

Oyarekwa Felix further promised regular public reporting on constituency projects and funds allocated to the area, stressing that accountability must be an essential part of political representation.

He said elected representatives should remain connected to the people after elections and should be available to listen, explain decisions and provide feedback on issues affecting their communities.

Jobs And Economic Opportunities

On youth and women empowerment, the candidate said his administration would focus on creating pathways to sustainable income rather than programmes that merely produce certificates without corresponding employment opportunities.

He promised to advocate for local employment opportunities in mining and agricultural operations within the constituency, while pushing for skills acquisition programmes designed around actual market demands.

He also proposed the development of startup and cooperative funding channels to support youth- and women-led businesses.

According to him, the objective is to create an environment where young people can acquire practical skills, access capital and participate meaningfully in the local economy.

Education And Functional Healthcare

Oyarekwa Felix also placed education and healthcare among the major priorities of his proposed representation.

He promised to advocate for improved school infrastructure and greater support for teachers, with priority given to communities and schools considered to be the most underserved.

He further pledged to support scholarship opportunities for students whose families may struggle to meet the cost of continuing their education.

In healthcare, the candidate promised to push for primary healthcare centres that are properly staffed, equipped and functional, with particular attention to maternal healthcare.

His position comes at a time when healthcare access remains a major development issue across Nigeria, while Edo State has continued to outline initiatives aimed at improving primary healthcare delivery and expanding access to essential services.

Roads, Water And Electricity

The NDP candidate also identified infrastructure as critical to unlocking the economic potential of the constituency.

He promised to advocate for the rehabilitation of rural roads, particularly routes connecting farming communities to markets.

According to him, roads should not merely connect major towns but must also facilitate the movement of agricultural produce from farms to consumers, thereby reducing losses and improving farmers’ incomes.

He also promised to advocate for the extension of clean water and electricity to communities that remain underserved, as well as the development of rural markets located close to farmers and traders.

Oyarekwa Felix argued that development must reach rural communities if it is to have a meaningful impact on the wider population.

Mining Must Benefit Host Communities

Another major component of the manifesto is the management of the constituency’s mineral resources.

Oyarekwa Felix said communities hosting mining activities should not be left with environmental degradation while the economic benefits of their resources are enjoyed elsewhere.

He promised to advocate for the enforcement of Community Development Agreements and greater monitoring of mining activities to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

He also called for greater transparency in mining revenues, saying residents should be able to know what resources are extracted from their communities and what is paid in return.

The candidate said responsible mining should create employment, stimulate local businesses and contribute to the development of host communities rather than becoming a source of environmental and social challenges.

“Representation Is Not A Title”

Oyarekwa Felix said the central philosophy behind his manifesto is that political office should be viewed as a responsibility to the people rather than a personal privilege.

“I will be accessible, transparent, and accountable. I will be judged on delivery, not on speeches,” he stated.

According to him, the people of Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 deserve a representative who will remain accessible, listen to their concerns and consistently advocate for development.

“Representation is not a title. It’s a job, and I intend to work it,” he declared.

The NDP candidate consequently called on voters across Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 to support his candidacy, saying his five-point agenda represents a commitment to building a more connected, economically productive and accountable constituency.

He urged the electorate to assess candidates not only by campaign rhetoric but also by the clarity of their plans, commitment to accountability and willingness to remain answerable to the people after elections.

Oyarekwa Felix is contesting for the Edo State House of Assembly seat representing Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 on the platform of the Nigeria Democratic Party (NDP).