Oyarekwa Challenges Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 To Envision Development Beyond 2030

Dr. Austine Oyarekwa Felix, a candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for Akoko-Edo Constituency 2, has urged voters to begin looking beyond the 2027 election and consider the kind of constituency they want to build by 2030.

Oyarekwa made the call in a message to the people of the constituency, stressing the need for voters to examine candidates, their experience, ideas, understanding of local challenges and capacity to provide effective representation.

He framed the 2027 State House of Assembly election against the wider global development agenda, noting that the years leading to 2030 would be important for education, human capital development, agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, technology, youth development and job creation.

According to him, the question before the people should not be limited to political competition, but should also focus on the future they want for Akoko-Edo Constituency 2.

The candidate's message comes as the United Nations continues to push for accelerated action towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the organisation's 2026 assessment warning that progress towards the 2030 targets remains insufficient and requires intensified action. The UN has particularly highlighted areas including education, jobs, digital transformation, infrastructure and sustainable development.

Oyarekwa also pointed to Nigeria's human-capital challenges, arguing that constituency-level leadership must recognise the changing demands of the economy and prepare young people to participate in emerging opportunities.

The World Bank's 2026 Human Capital Report similarly emphasises the importance of investments in health, education, skills and employment in preparing people for future economic opportunities. Its latest assessment on Nigeria highlights continuing gaps in education, learning outcomes and workforce skills.

Oyarekwa therefore asked residents to consider questions around opportunities for young people, skills acquisition, employment, infrastructure, quality education and effective representation.

He said the 2027 election provides an opportunity for citizens to examine the records and programmes of those seeking to represent them and to demand clear, measurable commitments.

“By 2030, the young people of Akoko-Edo will be asking: Where are the opportunities? Where are the skills? Where are the jobs? Where is the infrastructure? Where is the quality education? Where is the effective representation?” he asked.

He further urged voters to move beyond political slogans and scrutinise the performance of the incumbent, while also examining the plans and priorities presented by other candidates.

Oyarekwa said the people should ask what has been achieved, what remains unfinished, what priorities are being proposed for the next four years and what measurable results constituents should expect from their representatives.

He maintained that the development of Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 should be anchored on vision, accountability, inclusion and an understanding of the changes taking place in Nigeria and the wider world.

According to him, the period leading to 2030 could provide opportunities for young people, farmers, traders, professionals, women and businesses if appropriate attention is given to human capital, skills, infrastructure and economic opportunities.

He consequently called on constituents to ask questions, demand accountability, examine records, compare ideas and listen carefully to the plans presented by candidates before making their choice in the 2027 election.

Oyarekwa concluded his message with an appeal to the people of Akoko-Edo Constituency 2 to begin preparing for the future now, rather than waiting until 2030.

He urged voters to support his candidacy and the National Democratic Party (NDP), saying his campaign is focused on the future of the constituency and the need for effective representation.

“The future cannot be postponed until 2030. The preparation must begin now. The conversation must begin now. The accountability must begin now. The work must begin now,” he said.