Oyarekwa Felix Pledges Fair, Inclusive Representation For Akoko-Edo Constituency II
Dr. Austine Oyarekwa Felix, candidate of the National Democratic Party (NDP) for Akoko-Edo Constituency II in the Edo State House of Assembly, has outlined a vision of constituency representation anchored on fairness, inclusion, accountability and grassroots engagement.
Dr. Felix said representation should extend beyond individual communities, wards or interest groups, stressing that every constituent deserves to have a voice and access to responsive representation.
According to him, Akoko-Edo Constituency II comprises diverse communities with varying needs and aspirations, making inclusive engagement essential to effective representation.
He said his proposed approach would focus on ensuring that every ward and community receives attention while creating opportunities for constituents to communicate their concerns and priorities directly to their representative.
Among the priorities outlined by the candidate are youth empowerment, women's economic development, education and skills acquisition, grassroots infrastructure and accountable representation.
On youth development, Dr. Felix said young people should have greater access to skills development, entrepreneurship, employment opportunities and other pathways that would enable them to participate productively in the local economy.
He also identified women's economic empowerment as an important area, with emphasis on supporting opportunities in business, agriculture, skills development and enterprise.
The NDP candidate further highlighted education, vocational training and digital skills as areas requiring sustained attention, particularly in preparing young people for an increasingly changing economy.
On grassroots development, he said basic community needs, including roads, water, electricity, healthcare facilities, schools and markets, should remain part of the priorities of constituency representation.
He equally stressed the importance of transparency and regular communication between elected representatives and their constituents, saying the people have a right to know what their representative is doing on their behalf.
Dr. Felix also called for an inclusive approach that recognises persons with disabilities, vulnerable groups and underserved communities, saying every constituent should be treated with dignity and given an opportunity to participate in the affairs of the constituency.
He said the strength of effective representation begins with listening to the people and understanding the specific challenges confronting different communities within the constituency.
According to him, his vision is to promote a constituency where people do not have to struggle to be heard and where community concerns are treated as matters worthy of attention.
Dr. Felix said Akoko-Edo Constituency II has significant human and natural potential, adding that stronger engagement between the people, their representative and available opportunities could contribute to meaningful grassroots development.
He described his vision in simple terms: every ward should matter, every community should count, and every constituent should have a voice.
