The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the November 6 election in Anambra State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has promised to create 130,000 jobs annually for youths in the state if voted into power.
The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria also promised to create 1,000 youth millionaires every year to further drive job creations and economic boom in the state.
Soludo gave the assurance while addressing no fewer than 27 Union Markets at the Onitsha Head Bridge market during their monthly worship service.
He further pledged to ensure the commercial city retained its premier position as the international trading hub in Africa, as well as promote made-in-Anambra goods and services.
He said, “I will be the chief marketing officer of made-in-Anambra goods and services as a way of promoting businesses and boosting our State economy.
“I’ll set aside a N5 billion as start-up business capital for young entrepreneurs to engage in business in the state.”
The former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) also promised to digitalise businesses in the state by providing almost free Wifi Internet connectivity to enhance their business activities.
He added, “Anambra is going to be the digital tribe in Nigeria. We’re going to work with telecom providers in the country to achieve this. You must get yourself immersed into the world of tomorrow.
“The issue of electricity will be tackled headlong to enhance the traders’ businesses, while the revival of the Onitsha port will be taken up.
“I’ll also liaise with relevant government agencies to address the issue of Customs’ encumbrances in freighting goods to the Southeast.
“My greatest desire is to encourage manufacturers from China and other parts of the world where the traders go to buy their goods to set up their manufacturing plants in the State.
“This will reverse the business strategy from being an importing to an exporting State.”
Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Uche Okafor urged the people to vote for Soludo, stressing that he had the experience and training to turn the State around for the better.
Other dignitaries at the occasion include, Hon Emeka Asoanya, Chairman of Onitsha South Local Government, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu, President General of ASMATA among others.
