Hope seems to be in sight for the people of Ebonyi State, as the President/Chairman of Ultimus Holdings and Founder of Orient Global Group, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, officially declared his intention to run for the governorship of the state on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Speaking at a media conference yesterday on his primary intentions for the state, Odii said: “This declaration is about optimism. It is my answer to the collective desire of our people for authentic leadership to pilot the affairs of our beloved state. This is a new promise of hope in Ebonyi State. A hope that is born for the benefit of the people yet is guided by the will of God. This is a mission to serve, and I make bold to accept it with all humility.”
Odili further buttressed his competency to run for governor of the state as a result of his rich past experience.
According to him, “In my over 20 years in business, I have built successful companies with an investment portfolio from manufacturing, logistics, retail, construction, real estate, healthcare and agro-allied industries.”
He stated that his philanthropic gestures and act of kindness have always come from a place of awareness as he has been blessed to be a blessing to others.
“Through the Ebele and Anyichuks Foundation, my wife and I have dedicated our lives and personal resources to bringing succor to the people of Ebonyi State. Using the little that God has blessed us with, we have made an impact on everything from homes to schools, scholarships to hospitals, and seed money for small businesses,” he added.
The business mogul and philanthropist said though he hails from the southern senatorial zone of the state with the incumbent governor, his capacity to govern the state should be considered above all other criteria.
He said: “I am a bonafide citizen of Ebonyi State, and I am therefore qualified to contest for the governorship position in the state.
“All the zones of the state have taken their turns for the seat and the next shot can start from anywhere that capacity is found.”
In a bid to understand what his intentions for the people of Ebonyi are, Odii said: “I believe that my track record of success in resource management and wealth creation positions me well to deliver on the yearnings of our people. My vision to industrialise Ebonyi State begins with 4 tangibles points:
Firstly, we must restore the people’s confidence in government and establish a social contract that will form the basis of a new partnership. I am a firm believer in the democratic process, the rule of law, and a fair reward for hard work.
“We must integrate and expand value chains across the state economy, from agriculture to industry to services, creating wealth through what we already have and growing our internally generated revenue. I am aware of the earning potential and multiplier effect that creative ideas can have. From music and art to theatre and fashion, the world has gone digital. We must not be left behind.
“Without security, all our visions and efforts will come to nothing. Therefore, our security approach in Ebonyi State will be proactive and technology-driven. I am prepared to put my best in defence of the interests of the people.”
