I Won’t Empower Youths with Keke; I’ll Build Entrepreneurs Like Soludo — Barrister Chukwudi Oli

By Tony Okafor, Awka

A House of Representatives aspirant for Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Chukwudi Oli, has said his ambition to represent the constituency in the National Assembly is anchored on building sustainable entrepreneurial structures rather than distributing tricycles as a form of empowerment.

Oli, a legal practitioner, made the declaration on Saturday while addressing journalists at his country home in Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He criticised the widely adopted model of youth empowerment through the distribution of Keke NAPEP (tricycles), describing it as ineffective and unsustainable for securing the long-term economic future of young people.

“I am going to the National Assembly to build structures that will create entrepreneurs, not to share Keke NAPEP,” he said, adding that his focus would be on policies and programmes capable of fostering economic independence and growth within the constituency.

Speaking on his motivation, Oli said his personal background had shaped his resolve to impact lives positively.

“My father died a poor man, so I know the meaning of poverty. By God’s grace, I have risen, and I want to touch lives. I am not going to the National Assembly to amass wealth because I already have enough to sustain myself and my family,” he said.

The aspirant also weighed in on the issue of zoning, arguing that competence and capacity should take precedence over rotational considerations.

He described himself as a “pacesetter” committed to what he termed the “liberation” of the Dunukofia/Njikoka/Anaocha (DNA) federal constituency.

Oli further pledged to consolidate on the developmental strides of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, noting that the governor’s policies of ” one youth, two skills” inspired his decision to join the race.

According to him, his legislative agenda will prioritise transparency, accountability and inclusive development.

He also promised to institutionalise regular town hall meetings to keep constituents informed of his activities if elected.