Oyarekwa Felix Unveils ‘A New Dawn’ Agenda For Akoko-Edo Constituency II

Dr. Austine Oyarekwa Felix, the NDP candidate for the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election in Akoko-Edo Constituency II, has unveiled an agenda focused on effective representation, human-capital development, grassroots development, inclusion and accountability.

The agenda, titled “A New Dawn,” reflects his campaign’s broader emphasis on people-centred representation and a development approach aimed at ensuring that communities across the constituency are actively involved in identifying and addressing their priorities.

According to Felix, representation should extend beyond speeches and election-season promises, stressing the importance of regular engagement with constituents, responsive leadership, transparent communication and measurable results.

He said his proposed approach would promote continuous interaction with the people, with every ward and community given attention in the representation process.

A major component of the agenda is youth and women empowerment. Felix said young people and women should have access to practical opportunities that can help them build sustainable livelihoods, including skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, vocational training, digital skills and support for small businesses.

The candidate also identified education and human-capital development as key pillars of his proposed representation, promising to advocate for improved educational opportunities, scholarships and bursaries, vocational education and digital-skills programmes designed to prepare young people for employment and enterprise.

The agenda further places emphasis on grassroots development, with attention to roads, water supply, electricity, healthcare facilities, markets, agriculture and other essential community needs.

Felix said development should not be concentrated in a few areas, but should reach communities and wards across Akoko-Edo Constituency II, while constituents should have a meaningful role in determining development priorities.

Accountability and inclusion also feature prominently in the agenda. Felix pledged to promote openness and responsible stewardship while ensuring that constituents, irrespective of age, gender, background, location or circumstance, have an avenue to be heard.

He also highlighted the need for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities and a representation that remains accessible and accountable to the people.

The NDP candidate has, in previous engagements, linked his development vision to human-capital development, economic opportunities, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, MSMEs, investment, community security and the transformation of Akoko-Edo’s mineral resources into broader community wealth.

His campaign has also promoted the idea of an Akoko-Edo Industrial Development Bill as part of a broader effort to strengthen local economic development and create opportunities around the constituency’s resources.

Felix, who brings over two decades of international human-capital and development experience to his political campaign, has worked with development organisations including Mercy Corps, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Management Sciences for Health (MSH), Palladium and Save the Children UK. He is also the founder and CEO of TALENTA Africa and NexaEdge Consulting.

With the “A New Dawn” agenda, Felix is presenting his candidacy around the message of a new standard of representation and a stronger voice for the people of Akoko-Edo Constituency II.

“A New Dawn. A New Standard of Representation. A Stronger Voice for Akoko-Edo Constituency II.”