By Chibueze Victor, Abakiliki
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Engr. Sunday Andrew Opoke, has pledged to attract industries and investments to the district as part of efforts to tackle economic hardship and reduce the number of women engaged in strenuous manual labour.
Speaking with journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, Opoke unveiled a development agenda centred on industrialisation, women’s empowerment, education, technology, and job creation.
The senatorial hopeful expressed concern over the growing number of women involved in physically demanding jobs such as stone-breaking in quarries, carrying concrete at construction sites, and other labour-intensive occupations. He attributed the trend to poverty, unemployment, and limited access to economic opportunities.
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While commending the resilience and determination of women striving to support their families, Opoke stressed the need for policies that promote sustainable livelihoods, dignity, and economic security.
“Our women should not be forced by economic hardship to engage in backbreaking labour just to survive. The solution lies in creating opportunities through industrialisation, education, technology, and enterprise development,” he said.
According to him, his legislative agenda will focus on improving workplace safety standards for women in hazardous occupations and promoting the use of mechanised systems in the construction and quarry sectors to reduce reliance on manual labour.
Opoke noted that modern equipment and technology would significantly ease the burden on workers while improving productivity and safety.
As part of efforts to expand opportunities for women and youths, he pledged to facilitate the establishment of technology and innovation hubs across Ebonyi North. The centres, he said, would provide digital skills training and support entrepreneurship in emerging sectors.
He added that women would be encouraged to explore opportunities in information and communication technology, renewable energy, smart agriculture, e-commerce, and other technology-driven industries.
On economic empowerment, Opoke promised to support women-owned businesses through low-interest and interest-free loans, cooperative financing schemes, vocational training programmes, and mentorship initiatives aimed at strengthening entrepreneurship.
The PDP candidate also outlined plans to expand adult literacy programmes, promote girl-child education, and provide scholarships and bursaries for deserving students across the district.
He described education as a powerful tool for reducing poverty and equipping women with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a modern economy.
Addressing unemployment, Opoke said attracting industries and investors to Ebonyi North would remain a top priority if elected. He revealed plans to establish agro-processing zones, support small and medium-scale enterprises, encourage local manufacturing, and create business incubation centres capable of generating thousands of jobs.
According to him, increased industrial activity would boost household incomes and reduce the economic pressures forcing many women into hazardous and low-paying occupations.
He also called for greater societal support for women through public enlightenment campaigns, shared family responsibilities, and increased representation of women in governance and leadership positions.
Opoke maintained that the future prosperity of Ebonyi North depends on creating an environment where women can maximise their potential through education, innovation, and economic empowerment.
“My dream is an Ebonyi North where our women are empowered to build businesses, lead industries, embrace innovation, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth rather than being trapped in cycles of poverty and hardship,” he stated.
The PDP standard-bearer expressed confidence that with the right policies and strategic investments, Ebonyi North could emerge as a centre of industrial growth and economic prosperity, providing better opportunities for women, youths, and families across the district ahead of the 2027 elections.
