2027: Aigbonoga Pledges Legislative Action Against Erosion, Youth Unemployment In Etsako West
Barr. Afebu Aigbonoga, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Edo State House of Assembly, Etsako West Constituency II, has pledged to prioritise gully erosion control, youth empowerment, agricultural development and improved access to essential social services if elected in the 2027 general elections.
Aigbonoga, who is seeking to represent the Uzairue and South-Ibie clans in the Edo State House of Assembly, said his decision to contest was driven by a desire to address the challenges confronting communities in the constituency and provide people-centred representation.
In an interview ahead of the 2027 elections, the legal practitioner identified gully erosion, inadequate infrastructure, limited economic opportunities for young people, and difficulties faced by farmers and traders as some of the pressing concerns requiring urgent attention.
He noted that erosion had continued to threaten homes, roads, farmlands, schools and cemeteries in several communities, including Jattu and Ibienafe, stressing the need for coordinated intervention by relevant government agencies.
According to him, effective representation must go beyond occupying a legislative seat to include sustained engagement with constituents, constructive lawmaking, effective oversight and the pursuit of practical solutions to challenges affecting ordinary residents.
Aigbonoga said he would use the legislative platform to draw government attention to the constituency's developmental needs, advocate appropriate budgetary provisions and engage relevant ministries and agencies to facilitate interventions in affected communities.
On erosion control, he promised to engage the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency, the Ministry of Environment and other relevant institutions to secure technical assessments and interventions for areas facing environmental threats.
He also pledged to sponsor or support motions seeking urgent government attention to critical erosion sites, while working with the local government council, traditional rulers and community leaders to identify affected locations and monitor progress.
The NDC candidate identified agriculture and small-business development as other major priorities, noting that farming and trading remain important sources of livelihood for many residents of Etsako West Constituency II.
He said he would advocate improved access to agricultural inputs, including quality seedlings and fertilisers, as well as extension services and relevant government support programmes for farmers.
He also promised to pursue the upgrading and proper maintenance of local markets to provide traders, particularly women, with safer and more organised business environments.
According to him, stronger support for farmers, artisans, traders and small-scale entrepreneurs would help improve household incomes, strengthen the local economy and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
On youth empowerment, Aigbonoga said his proposed approach would focus on vocational training, digital skills, apprenticeships, access to employment information and assistance in connecting aspiring entrepreneurs with available financial support programmes.
He listed agro-processing, modern farming techniques, fabrication and repairs, tailoring, catering, digital marketing and other practical trades as areas in which young people could acquire relevant skills.
He explained that he would seek partnerships with relevant state ministries, skills-acquisition centres, private-sector organisations and non-governmental organisations to expand access to training and improve the prospects of self-employment.
The candidate further promised to facilitate connections between youth and women cooperatives and existing microcredit schemes, government empowerment initiatives and financial institutions offering support to small businesses.
He, however, acknowledged that a legislator could not independently resolve unemployment or personally provide loans to every aspiring entrepreneur, adding that his responsibility would include opening opportunities, advocating inclusive policies and ensuring that relevant government programmes were implemented transparently.
On education and healthcare, Aigbonoga said he would work to identify gaps in public schools and primary healthcare centres across the constituency and use legislative debates, budget processes and oversight functions to push for improvements.
He said his education agenda would include advocating better classrooms, furniture, teaching materials and digital-learning opportunities, while his healthcare priorities would focus on staffing, essential medicines, equipment, water supply and electricity in primary healthcare facilities.
He also pledged to advocate improvements to critical roads and drainage systems, particularly routes connecting communities to markets, schools and healthcare facilities.
According to him, the needs of the constituency must receive consistent attention in government development plans, with relevant projects properly monitored to ensure that public resources deliver meaningful benefits.
Addressing concerns about elected representatives becoming inaccessible after elections, Aigbonoga promised to establish and maintain a functional constituency office where residents could submit complaints, make suggestions and obtain information about programmes and opportunities.
He also proposed regular town-hall meetings and consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, women, farmers, traders and artisans to ensure that the views of residents inform his legislative priorities.
The NDC candidate said he would maintain accessible communication channels and provide periodic public updates on issues raised in the Assembly, projects being monitored, progress recorded and challenges requiring further action.
He stressed that accountability should be a continuous responsibility rather than an activity reserved for election periods.
Explaining what distinguishes his candidacy, Aigbonoga said he was offering himself for public service with a commitment to practical results, accessibility, transparency and a clear understanding of the constituency's challenges.
He maintained that his priorities would remain centred on environmental protection, agricultural development, youth and women empowerment, support for small businesses, improved social infrastructure and stronger communication between elected representatives and the people.
While acknowledging that no single legislator could resolve every challenge confronting the constituency, he said effective representation required the willingness to listen, engage relevant institutions, demand accountability and remain answerable to the electorate.
As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 Edo State House of Assembly election, Aigbonoga is seeking the mandate of the people of Etsako West Constituency II on the strength of his proposed development agenda and pledge to maintain a sustained connection with his constituents.
He urged residents to support a model of representation that places community needs, responsible legislation and accountability at the centre of public service, expressing confidence that a collaborative approach involving government institutions, community leaders and residents could help advance development across the constituency.
