I'll prioritize ICT revolution in Education, ensure LG Autonomy - Senator Ekwunife
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District and a frontline Governorship Aspirant for the 2021 Anambra Governorship Election under the platform of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Uche Ekwunife has stated her commitment to ensure the autonomy of local governments and prioritization of ICT revolution in Education if elected as Governor.
She said this earlier today, Saturday during a virtual meeting with a group under the auspices of Academic Frontiers Initiative.
Interacting with the group which is made up of some lecturers and researchers of higher institutions within the State, the Anambra Governorship hopeful while stating her reasons for declaring interest for the Anambra 2021 guber election noted that her understanding of the developmental challenges of the State coupled with her experience in legislative governance as well as her records in public service put her in a better position to deliver the much needed development to the State.
Reacting to series of questions from some of the State's academic elites, the Senator noted that Education and Human Capital Development remain the heart of societal development.
According to Ekwunife, prioritizing Education means making adequate budgetary allocations for this "highly important" sector, facilitating training and retraining of teachers, providing necessary infrastructure and ensuring strict supervision and implementation of standard and practices.
She noted that the impact of Covid-19 pandemic has called for a more innovative approach in Education. According to her, online learning and use of virtual platforms have become a huge necessity which must receive necessary attention and legal backing.
Speaking on local government autonomy, the Senator noted that she has been a strong advocate of financial and administrative autonomy of local governments and that she currently has a bill in the Senate seeking to amend the constitution to enshrine the autonomy of local government councils in Nigeria.
"My government will ensure the conduct of local government elections, so that this important tier of government will be better positioned to impact positively on the development of the state.", She said.
The Senator also spoke on the need to expand the Awka Capital City. According to her, Awka is yet to wear the look of a capital city due to lack of proper infrastructure and adequate expansion.
"I've lived in Awka for over 20 years and I'm sorry to say that not much have changed over the years. It's unfortunate that many parts of Awka South local government which houses the capital city is still underdeveloped", She said.
"Awka has a master plan which has been abandoned by successive governments. We need to go back to the plan, expand it, incorporate some border areas into the capital city plan, move some government agencies towards these new areas and facilitate new projects to expand the capital city as well as give it a befitting new look.", She added.
Concluding, Senator Ekwunife highlighted gender inclusiveness and deepening of the State's road network as part of her plans if elected to govern the State. She appreciated the group for hosting her and restated her determination to deliver meaningful development to the State. She further stated that she will be fair and just in governance.
Kingsley Ubani
SA Media to Senator Uche Ekwunife
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