Hon. Odo Ifeanyi Bernard is the Councilor representing Odume Obosi ward 8 in Idemili North Local government Area of Anambra state. In this interview with Chidera Eke, he shares some thoughts on why grassroots politics is important, even as he noted that, empowerment is the key to his agenda.
Excerpt
Your path in local politics
I have been part of my ward for a long time now under the party All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), giving my best as a way of contributing to grassroot development. Since I was made a Councilor alongside others, we have been trying to put things in place to enable every citizen from my ward feel dividend of social impact development.
Tell us a bit about what you intend to do
As a councilor, I am a messenger for the people and I intend to make sure they get involved in benefits, especially from the Federal government of Nigeria and state . For Instance, we are working on free education towards ensuring that every child gets access to free education in my ward. The current education system in Anambra state is becoming better. The Governor, His Excellency, Prof Charles Soludo has placed free education from primary to junior secondary school and I believe with that in place, people will be able to attend school because a lot of people can’t afford to pay school fees but with this development, education in the state will take more lead.
Any major challenge now
We are all Nigerians and we know what the country is currently facing, so I will say the major problem is the basic needs not only in my ward but it is general in the country. Secondly the rate of things in the market are extremely expensive especially here in Onitsha and even when money circulate it wouldn’t really be enough but we are currently working to see how that can be controlled especially for people in my ward. But currently, we got some palliatives from the Federal government. So, I and my ward Chairman are working out modalities for the distributions. The palliatives are rice, beans, corn and noodles. We are hoping the price of food stuffs drop soon for citizens to have relief.
Way out of hardship.
We’ve created some avenues towards assisting people such as empowering potential entrepreneurs in fish farming, poultry business among others with proven track records, including equipment to people from my ward.
Why it is better to play politics of idea
I think we should play politics of idea, not share the money for a few. And, also, more younger ones should be encouraged to benefit from the politics of ideology. I once worked under former Governor Peter Obi and he is a man of idea. And also like our working and innovative governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, who is changing the face of Anambra state.
For Your Interview On National Issues, Or Article, Commentary Or Event I Coverage. View Our Services And Profile By Clicking About Afrikanwatch Network And Service.+2348028592006, +2349126686480: Email Us @: Afrikanwatch122@Gmail.Com
