……….promises welfare reforms ahead of polls

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

The gubernatorial hopeful of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 election in Abia State, Dr. Kelechi Anosike’s message of people-centred governance, has elicited public discourse.

His supporters have also expressed optimism over his vision for the state’s future.

Although campaigns are yet to officially commence, Anosike has attracted positive receptions at several public engagements, with many supporters describing him as a leader whose ideas on governance and social welfare resonate with the aspirations of ordinary Abia residents.

He had always stated his vision for the state, which he said his administration would prioritize the welfare of the people, stressing that government must first guarantee the well-being of its citizens before embarking on ambitious infrastructure development.

According to him, “The whole essence of government is to serve the people first. The people need to be alive first to use any infrastructure. We shall build lives before we build infrastructure,” he said.

Anosike also assured of food security across the state, expressing confidence that policies under his administration would make food more available and affordable.

“If you have no food today or eat only once a day, when I assume office in 2027, you will have three square meals and even snacks in between because there will be food everywhere,” he said.

The PDP governorship candidate further pledged to make healthcare more affordable by introducing a comprehensive health insurance scheme designed to reduce the cost of medical care for Abians.

He explained that expanding access to quality and affordable healthcare would be a major priority of his administration, ensuring that families no longer face undue financial hardship in accessing essential medical services.

On workers’ welfare, Anosike promised to uphold due process in the public service, maintaining that employees should only retire in accordance with the provisions of the law.

“As a welfarist, we play by the rules. If the law says you work for 35 years or retire at 60 years of age, that is what should apply. If you have not attained either of those milestones, a welfarist will not retire you.

That is why I have said I will recall and reinstate those 10,000 workers who were retired prematurely in Abia State,” he stated.

Reiterating his philosophy of governance, Anosike referenced Mahatma Gandhi’s famous quote: “Not even God will preach the gospel to a hungry man without first offering him bread,” emphasizing that the welfare of the people would remain the foundation of his administration.

As political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the 2027 elections, Anosike’s message continues focus on social welfare, affordable healthcare, food security, workers’ rights, and good governance to improve lives.

By Editor, Umuahia

The Nigerian Embassy in Madrid has disclosed plans to digitise records of Nigerians resident in Spain and introduce Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to improve consular service delivery.

This is aimed at strengthening citizen-centred diplomacy and enhancing engagement with the Nigerian diaspora.

The initiatives were announced by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ambassador Okezie Ikpeazu, during a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS) at the consulate in Madrid.

Ikpeazu said the digitisation initiative would create a comprehensive database of Nigerians in Spain, enabling the Mission to improve communication, respond more efficiently to consular requests and deliver faster, technology-driven services.

“Our goal is to build a responsive, efficient and truly citizen-centred Mission that better serves Nigerians in Spain,” the ambassador said.

He added that the adoption of Total Quality Management principles would strengthen accountability, professionalism and service standards across the Embassy in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to improved service delivery.

The Ambassador reaffirmed that the welfare, protection and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain central to the Mission’s mandate and pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian community in Spain.

Ikpeazu said the Embassy would continue engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders on initiatives that promote the interests of Nigerians in Spain while advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

He said the Mission remains committed to implementing the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, noting that stronger engagement with Nigerians abroad, improved service delivery and strategic partnerships with the diaspora are essential to advancing Nigeria’s national development and international standing.

“Our engagement with Nigerians in Spain reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the 4-D foreign policy framework. The diaspora remains a vital partner in promoting Nigeria’s development and strengthening our global presence,” Ikpeazu said.

The Ambassador also urged Nigerians resident in Spain to remain law-abiding and continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria by respecting the laws and institutions of their host country.

“Your conduct reflects the image of Nigeria. Lead with integrity, promote unity and continue to be worthy ambassadors of our nation,” he said.

The FNCS delegation, led by its President, Hon. Jackson Oboh, welcomed the Embassy’s commitment to closer engagement while highlighting issues affecting Nigerians across Spain.

Among the concerns raised was the restoration of direct flight connectivity between Nigeria and Spain, which the federation said would facilitate travel, promote trade and investment, boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations.

“Direct flights will ease travel, stimulate business and further deepen relations between Nigeria and Spain,” Oboh said.

Both parties agreed to institutionalise regular consultations between the Embassy and the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain to strengthen collaboration, improve the welfare of Nigerians in Spain and support more effective consular service delivery.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with its diaspora community in line with the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework, which recognises Nigerians abroad as strategic partners in advancing national development, economic diplomacy and stronger bilateral relations.

Stephanie Clem’s, Umuahia

The people of Obingwa West in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State have declared their support for the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Kelechi Anosike, and the party’s House of Assembly candidate for the state Constituency, Enyinnaya Appolos, ahead of the 2027 general election.

The declaration was made during a well-attended thank-you rally that took place at the country home of Appolos in Isiko, where party faithful, community leaders, and supporters gathered to reaffirm their commitment to the PDP and its candidates.

Addressing the gathering, Appolos expressed profound gratitude to the leadership and members of the PDP for entrusting him with the party’s ticket to contest the Obingwa West state constituency seat.

He also thanked party members for nominating Dr. Kelechi Anosike as the party’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2027 election.

He said that the confidence reposed in both candidates was a responsibility they would repay through dedication, hard work, and victory at the polls.

Appolos assured supporters that the PDP was fully prepared for the forthcoming elections, urging members not to be distracted by political developments but to remain united, committed, and resolute in their determination to return the party to Government House and retain the Obingwa West state assembly seat.

“The only reason I have called you together today is to thank you for nominating me as the PDP candidate for Obingwa West state constituency and for nominating Dr. Kelechi Anosike as our governorship candidate.

“I want to assure you that the PDP is fully prepared for the 2027 election, and by the grace of God, we shall emerge victorious.

“I also assure every loyal party member working tirelessly for our success that everyone who contributes to the party’s victory will equally share in the benefits of that victory,” he said.

Appolos further called on party members to intensify grassroots mobilisation across all wards and polling units, stressing that the PDP’s victory would depend on unity, discipline, and sustained engagement with the electorate.

Also speaking, the leader of the PDP in Obingwa West, Chief Ezinwa Abiri, reaffirmed the party’s confidence in both candidates, describing them as credible and capable leaders with the experience, competence, and commitment to advance the interests of the people.

Similarly, the PDP Chairman in Obingwa Local Government Area, Ahamefula Egbulefu, assured party members that the party structure in the area remained united and fully committed to delivering overwhelming victories for Dr. Kelechi Anosike in the gubernatorial election and Enyinnaya Appolos in the Obingwa West state assembly contest.

The high point of the rally was the formal presentation of the PDP flag to Appolos as the party’s standard-bearer for the Obingwa West State Constituency election.

The event also witnessed the official return of Chief I. I. Nwamuo, a former Deputy Chairman of Obingwa Local Government Area, to the PDP. Declaring his return to the party, Nwamuo pledged to work assiduously with other party faithful to ensure the PDP records a resounding victory in the 2027 general election.

The rally attracted party executive, ward leaders, youth and women groups, traditional stakeholders, and supporters from across Obingwa West, all of whom pledged to intensify grassroots mobilisation to secure decisive victories for the PDP and its candidates in the 2027 polls.