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…As okada riders give Aondakaa carnival-like welcome in Makurdi
From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, has pledged that if elected in 2027, his administration will work with the private sector to create at least 100,000 jobs annually for young people across the state.
Chief Aondoakaa also promised to tackle political thuggery by expanding economic opportunities for young people, saying his government would provide financial support through cooperatives, entrepreneurship schemes and other empowerment initiatives designed to enable youths to become gainfully self-employed and financially independent.
He made the pledges while addressing commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as okada riders, who turned out in large numbers to welcome him back to Makurdi from Abuja, where he had undertaken political engagements.
The riders converged at the Agan Toll Gate and accompanied the former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice into Makurdi in a long procession.
The movement continued through parts of the state capital and culminated in a carnival-like gathering at Aondoakaa’s residence along George Akume Way, where the riders expressed their support for his 2027 governorship bid.
Aondoakaa said the energy of Benue youths should be channelled towards productive ventures rather than political violence and thuggery.
According to him, young people need jobs, access to capital and opportunities to develop sustainable businesses rather than being recruited and used as instruments of political intimidation.
He said an administration led by him would encourage the formation of viable cooperatives through which young entrepreneurs, artisans, commercial motorcycle operators, farmers and other groups could access financial support to establish or expand their businesses.
Chief Aondoakaa further pledged that his government would deliberately partner with the private sector through agriculture, agro-processing, MSMEs, construction, manufacturing, technology, services to stimulate investment and employment opportunities, with a target of creating not fewer than 100,000 jobs every year.
The pledge aligns with jobs and enterprise being listed among the priorities of Aondoakaa’s campaign agenda, alongside agriculture, education, security, healthcare and accountable governance.
The PDP candidate also spoke against what he described as the development of personality cults around political office holders.
He said he would not permit supporters to adopt the slogan “No Aondoakaa, No Benue”, insisting that Benue State belongs to its people and is greater than any individual occupying the office of governor.
Aondoakaa said leadership should be about service to the people rather than elevating an individual above the state or its people.
The reception by the motorcycle operators comes amid a series of engagements between Chief Aondoakaa and political, professional and community groups ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
In recent weeks, different groups have publicly identified with his candidature and declared support for his campaign.
The former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice’s campaign has continued to emphasize security, agriculture, jobs and enterprise, education, healthcare and accountable governance as major areas of focus ahead of the 2027 election.
