Labour Party Owerri Federal Constituency Candidate, Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu Unveils Manifesto, Presents Certificate of Return
Emphasized Women Empowerment, Youth Development and Grassroots Transformation
By Anselem Anokwute
The Labour Party candidate for the House of Representatives, Owerri Federal Constituency, Dr. Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has formally presented her Certificate of Return and unveiled her manifesto, outlining a comprehensive development agenda focused on youth empowerment, women inclusion, healthcare, infrastructure, and effective representation.
Addressing journalists, party leaders, supporters and stakeholders, Anyanwu-Akeredolu described the occasion as an opportunity to formally present her Certificate of Return as the duly elected Labour Party candidate for Owerri Federal Constituency and to share the vision that will guide her service.
She also explained her decision to step down from the Imo East Senatorial District race and contest for the House of Representatives seat.
According to her, the decision was reached after extensive consultations and careful consideration of the prevailing circumstances within the Labour Party.
“It was not an easy decision because many of my supporters had hoped to see me emerge as the Labour Party’s senatorial candidate for Imo East Senatorial District. However, I chose a path that serves the greater good of our party and our people,” she stated.
She noted that the Labour Party was gradually emerging from internal challenges and legal disputes, stressing that unity, sacrifice, teamwork and collective responsibility were necessary for rebuilding a stronger political platform ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
“I chose to be a team player because the success of our party is greater than individual ambition. Unity, discipline and sacrifice are essential if we must deliver the change our people desire,” she added.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu assured constituents that her commitment to public service remained unwavering irrespective of the office she seeks.
She pledged to champion the interests of the people, promote women’s participation in governance, empower youths, advance community development and provide courageous and compassionate leadership.
Speaking during a press briefing in Owerri, the Imo State capital, the former First Lady of Ondo State, further reaffirmed her commitment to providing purposeful leadership and ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach the grassroots.
According to her, healthcare delivery, human capital development, infrastructure improvement, and economic empowerment will form the cornerstone of her legislative agenda if elected to represent the constituency at the National Assembly
Presenting her manifesto, she unveiled what she described as Ten Strategic Pillars that will drive her representation.
The pillars include Youth Empowerment and Job Creation, Education and Human Capital Development, Women Empowerment and Gender Inclusion, Healthcare and Public Health, Infrastructure and Community Development, Agriculture and Food Security, Social Protection for Vulnerable Groups, Environmental Sustainability, Security and Community Development, as well as Effective Representation and Legislative Impact.
On youth development, she promised to expand opportunities through her Empower2Become Youth Development Initiative, which focuses on ICT, coding, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, drone technology, solar technology, vocational skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and business support programmes.
In the area of healthcare, she pledged to advocate stronger primary healthcare services, improved maternal and child health programmes, cancer awareness and screening initiatives, access to essential medicines, mental health services and telemedicine for underserved communities.
She further promised to support legislation that protects women’s rights, expands access to finance for women entrepreneurs and promotes greater inclusion of women in governance and decision-making processes.
The Labour Party candidate also expressed her determination to facilitate improved road networks, electricity supply, potable water, environmental sanitation and other community-based development projects across the constituency.
On agriculture, she pledged support for youth participation in agribusiness, fish farming, renewable energy solutions and value-chain development aimed at boosting food security and creating employment opportunities.
Anyanwu-Akeredolu stressed that effective representation requires collaboration rather than isolation, promising to foster stronger partnerships between federal and state legislators to accelerate development and maximize available resources.
“Leadership is not about occupying a position; it is about service, vision, courage, compassion and results. I pledge to serve with integrity, accountability, competence and dedication. Together, we can build a secure, prosperous, inclusive and innovative Owerri Federal Constituency where every community matters and every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.
She called on party faithful, supporters and well-wishers to serve as ambassadors of the movement by spreading the message of hope, inclusion, development and responsible leadership throughout the constituency.
The event attracted Labour Party stakeholders, supporters, community leaders and members of the media from across Imo State.