By Chief Mascot Uzor Kalu
The future of Abia State depends on a deliberate shift in how we define leadership and governance. For too long, politics has revolved around survival measures that offer temporary relief without addressing the deeper economic challenges facing our people. It is time we move beyond short term responses and embrace policies that build lasting prosperity.
Survival politics may provide momentary comfort, but it does not create wealth, strengthen industries, or open doors of opportunity. Our people deserve more than gestures. They deserve systems that empower them to work, produce, and grow their incomes with dignity and stability.
Economic growth must therefore become the central focus of our public policy. We must create an environment where small and medium scale enterprises can thrive, where traders, artisans, and innovators have access to the support they need to expand. A strong enterprise culture is the foundation of a resilient and prosperous state.
We must also invest seriously in skills development. Our youths are talented and energetic, but they need practical training that aligns with modern economic realities. When young people are equipped with employable skills, they become drivers of innovation, productivity, and economic expansion.
Agriculture and local production remain powerful tools for transformation. By supporting farmers, encouraging value addition, and promoting made in Abia goods, we can strengthen rural economies and keep wealth circulating within our communities. This is how sustainable growth is built.
The choice before us is clear. We can continue with survival politics, or we can commit to economic growth that creates jobs, empowers families, and secures long term prosperity. I believe Abia must choose the path of productivity, transparency, and wealth creation for the good of present and future generations.
