By CHARLES IWUOHA

Dr Ifeanyichukwuma Odii, Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State, has said that he would promote Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to end hawking by his people in major cities of the country, if elected into office in 2023.

Odii made the promise on Sunday, December 4, 2022, during his visit to five churches in the state, including Adoration Ministry and Saint Luke Chaplaincy of Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki.

Other churches are: the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Abakaliki Parish, the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movements, Ebonyi headquarters and All Saints Anglican Communion, Abakaliki Diocese.

The gubernatorial candidate also noted that workers’ wellbeing, human capital development and job creation would be his top priority if he emerges as Governor.

“In 2023, when I come as your governor, there will be peace in the land, there will be love among us, and our children will have access to free education.

“The civil servants will be going home, smiling at the end of the month. The issue of insecurity will be properly addressed.

“When I come as your Governor, I will tackle street hawking by the youths through SMEs. I will call our youths back home and train them on various business skills and ICT.

“The time has come for a good leader to rule in Ebonyi. My mission is to ensure social security for the people. I believe that the light will shine upon the land.

“Vote for someone like me that have the capacity to boost the state's economy. You may like to check my pedigree, check my life and that will tell you what I have the capacity to do for Ebonyi.

“Do not waste your vote on someone that does not have your interest at heart. Vote for someone, who is God-fearing. Support us, PDP from bottom to the top and Ebonyi will be good again,” Odii said.

Rev. Father Kenneth Nome of the Adoration Ministry, Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, in his message, entitled, “Message of Hope,” urged members of his church to vote for the candidate that could lead them to the Promised Land.

Nome called on politicians to always attend to the people’s need and prayed that in 2023, Nigerians would elect good leaders for a new Nigeria and Ebonyi, in particular.

Rev. Monday Nkwoagu, Bishop of the All Saints of the Anglican Communion, Abakaliki Diocese, prayed God to give Ebonyi the governor after His heart.

Nkwoagu described Odii as a good man and prayed that he would win, as, according to him, when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice.