2027: ADC Candidate, Itiosa-Osakhueniewhen, Unveils Seven-Point Agenda For Oredo East
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Oredo East Constituency in the Edo State House of Assembly, Dr Itiosa-Osakhueniewhen Emmanuel Omokaro, has unveiled a seven-point development agenda focused on security, youth empowerment, small business financing, infrastructure renewal, administrative reforms, business-friendly taxation and local economic growth ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Omokaro, who is seeking to represent Oredo East in the February 2027 elections, said his aspiration was driven by a longstanding commitment to public service, community development and accountable leadership.
Presenting his policy priorities, the ADC candidate described them as his “Seven Contracts with the Good People of Oredo East,” explaining that the commitments would guide his legislative agenda and provide a basis for constituents to assess his performance if elected.
He maintained that his ambition was not simply to occupy a seat in the Edo State House of Assembly but to provide purposeful representation that translates into tangible improvements in the lives of residents.
According to him, his philosophy of service dates back to the age of nine, when he began serving as an altar boy, an experience that instilled in him the principle of service above self.
He subsequently held leadership positions in church organisations, served as science prefect and head boy in secondary school, and represented students as a senator at Delta State University, Abraka.
His involvement in humanitarian and community development activities also included serving as president of the Rotary Club of Benin Aerodrome.
Omokaro said these experiences shaped his understanding of leadership as a responsibility to serve, defend the interests of others and contribute meaningfully to society.
“My leadership philosophy is simple: leadership positions are privileged opportunities to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the people we are called to serve,” he said.
Seven-Point Agenda Targets Security, Jobs, Infrastructure
At the heart of Omokaro's agenda is a community security initiative designed to strengthen collaboration among relevant government agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, private organisations and other stakeholders.
He said he would facilitate partnerships to improve information sharing, support community-based safety initiatives and strengthen local security structures.
The candidate also proposed establishing an Oredo ICT and Innovation Hub to equip more than 1,000 young people with digital and technology-related skills.
The proposed training would cover software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and other emerging technologies.
He said the initiative would improve young people's access to employment, encourage innovation and support the emergence of technology-driven businesses in the constituency.
On economic empowerment, Omokaro pledged to champion accessible financing schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises, artisans, traders and market women.
He said the proposed schemes would explore interest-free and low-interest financing options where feasible, with implementation pursued through partnerships with relevant financial institutions, government agencies and development partners.
He stressed that transparent eligibility criteria and accountability mechanisms would be necessary to ensure that the support reached genuine business owners and contributed to sustainable economic activity.
Infrastructure development also features prominently in his agenda.
Omokaro promised to pursue legislative interventions and facilitate collaboration with relevant government institutions and other stakeholders to improve roads, drainage systems, transportation networks and other essential public infrastructure across Oredo East.
He emphasised the importance of effective project monitoring, proper planning and equitable allocation of development projects based on the needs of individual communities.
The candidate further pledged to support constitutionally compliant efforts to explore the creation of additional Local Government Areas in Edo South Senatorial District.
He said any proposed administrative restructuring must satisfy applicable constitutional and legal requirements and be pursued through the appropriate processes involving relevant stakeholders and lawmakers.
On taxation, Omokaro promised to advocate fair, transparent and business-friendly policies that protect legitimate businesses from unlawful levies, encourage investment and promote job creation.
Drawing from his experience as a student leader at Delta State University, Abraka, he said he had previously led efforts that resulted in the elimination of illegal levies and reduced the cost of essential commodities for students within the university premises.
“I have done it before. With your support, I will work to do even more for Oredo East,” he said.
His seventh priority focuses on local economic development through policies that encourage manufacturing, agriculture, entrepreneurship, innovation and private-sector investment.
He said the objective was to create an enabling environment in which local businesses could expand, young people could access economic opportunities and communities could benefit from sustainable growth.
Plans Employment Network for Oredo Residents
Beyond the seven-point agenda, Omokaro disclosed plans to establish a structured employment platform that would connect job seekers with employers operating within Oredo Local Government Area.
The proposed initiative would involve developing a database and network of employers and prospective employees to facilitate access to available jobs.
According to him, the platform would help businesses identify qualified workers while enabling residents to access employment opportunities closer to home.
He added that the proposed Oredo ICT and Innovation Hub would complement the employment initiative by equipping young people with practical skills relevant to the modern labour market.
Omokaro said his broader objective was to establish stronger connections between skills acquisition, local businesses and employment opportunities, rather than limiting his intervention to general advocacy for job creation.
Promises Stronger Legislative Oversight
The ADC candidate also raised concerns about the condition of roads, inadequate infrastructure and power supply in parts of Oredo, arguing that the area's economic importance should translate into visible development for its residents.
He maintained that public resources must be managed transparently and deployed towards projects that improve living conditions and support economic activity.
Omokaro pledged to use the constitutional responsibilities of the Edo State House of Assembly to scrutinise government expenditure, support development-oriented budgets, ask questions about project execution and demand accountability from the executive arm of government.
He said effective representation required legislators to go beyond political promises by monitoring public projects, identifying implementation gaps and pressing for the delivery of essential services.
Describing himself as “the voice of restoration” and “the voice of hope,” he insisted that communities deserved improved infrastructure and a more accountable system of governance.
“Our money must work for our people, and our development must be visible in our communities,” he said.
His position places legislative oversight and responsible public spending at the centre of his proposed approach to representation, with particular emphasis on ensuring that government policies and budgets respond to the needs of ordinary residents.
Pledges Quarterly Town Hall Meetings
To strengthen accountability, Omokaro promised to organise quarterly town hall meetings across the six wards of Oredo East Constituency if elected.
He said the meetings would provide opportunities for constituents to raise concerns, discuss community priorities, evaluate progress on his seven-point agenda and hold him accountable for his commitments.
He also pledged to maintain accessible communication channels with residents, stressing that representation should be a continuous relationship between elected officials and the people rather than an engagement restricted to election campaigns.
According to him, the proposed town hall meetings would enable him to obtain direct feedback from constituents, identify emerging challenges and adjust priorities where necessary.
He argued that meaningful representation must be built on consultation, transparency, trust and measurable progress.
Omokaro also highlighted the presence of businesses and establishments associated with ADC candidates in Oredo, including IROWA Hospital, his publishing firm and his real estate company, as evidence of their established connections to the constituency.
He maintained that proximity to the people and an understanding of their everyday economic realities were important considerations in choosing representatives.
Defends ADC, Calls for Issue-Based Politics
On the political direction of the constituency, Omokaro described the ADC as a consistent opposition alternative in Oredo and the wider South-South region.
He urged voters to look beyond party labels and campaign slogans by examining candidates' political records, ideological commitments and motivations for seeking public office.
The ADC candidate questioned the consistency of politicians who move between political parties in pursuit of electoral tickets, arguing that public service should be guided by principles and a genuine commitment to the welfare of the electorate.
He said his commitment to the ADC had spanned approximately six years, adding that he believed the party provided a platform to pursue his vision of national renewal and accountable governance.
Omokaro urged residents to prioritise issue-based politics and assess candidates on the strength of their proposals, their understanding of community challenges and their willingness to remain accountable after elections.
February 2027: A Test of Promises and Preparedness
With the 2027 elections approaching, Omokaro's proposed agenda places employment, infrastructure, security, business development and public accountability at the centre of his campaign for Oredo East.
If elected, translating the commitments into measurable results would depend on the use of the Assembly's legislative and oversight powers, effective engagement with relevant government institutions, budgetary provisions and sustained collaboration with community stakeholders.
Several of the proposed initiatives, including the ICT hub, business financing schemes and employment network, would also require partnerships, funding arrangements and transparent implementation frameworks to achieve their stated objectives.
His proposed quarterly town hall meetings could provide an avenue for constituents to monitor progress and evaluate the extent to which campaign promises translate into practical outcomes.
For Omokaro, however, the central message of his aspiration remains rooted in service, responsibility and development.
“February 2027 is the goal. Service above self is the principle. The development of Oredo East is the mission,” he said.
He described his seven-point agenda as a commitment to work towards safer communities, empowered young people, stronger local businesses, improved infrastructure and more accountable governance.
The ADC candidate maintained that the ultimate measure of his representation would be the positive difference made in the lives of the people of Oredo East.
