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[UPDATED] Enugu APGA Gov candidate, Frank Nweke, presents Edith Ugwuanyi as Deputy Gov candidate

…promises women inclusiveness when elected

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Debbie Egbo & Chetanne Chinelo, Enugu

Dr. Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi has been named as the running mate to a former Minister of Information and Enugu governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, Frank Nweke II.

The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine had previously reported that the announcement and official unveiling of the deputy governorship candidate took place in a press briefing held, Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at Bridge Waters Hotel, Enugu.

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Making the announcement, Mr. Nweke expressed his determination to work with his deputy to restore the state and improve industries, water sector, employment and infrastructure.

Giving assurances on the choice of Ugwuanyi, he stated that competence and the need to get women involved and well represented in politics informed his choice. “I don’t want a deputy that will be a spare wheel”, he said.

Part of his speech read: “The search for a deputy governorship candidate who carries the unique attributes and ideals that are paramount to the party and the overall vision that we have for Enugu state has required careful consideration and deliberate effort.

“In this search, a number of things were non-negotiable. The competence and character of the candidate to be selected was of utmost priority.

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“Another top priority was the ability of the candidate to get the work done. I don’t intend to have a deputy who will be a spare wheel or one who will not actively contribute to bring our promise for Enugu state to life.

“Someone that I will partner with to build a government founded on Good Governance, Law-and-Order, Human Capital Development, Economic Transformation, Infrastructure and a Sustainable Environment.

“It is, therefore, my utmost delight to officially present our Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi – a distinguished professional of repute with a track record of impact in Enugu and the diaspora”.

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Assuring women of participation in his government, he said, “This, for me, affirms why it is essential to have women as active participants and contributors in government. Women hold the key to a moral and ethical renaissance in Enugu and in our nation at large.

“Permit me to also state here that the number of women who will become local government chairpersons and commissioners in Enugu will be unprecedented. In fact, it is going to cause Enugu to be referenced”.

He decried the state of things in Enugu in the past seven years.

In his words, “We have never had it this bad, and the water problem has never been this bad”.

He praised the achievements of Igbo iconic figures like Chief Jim Nwobodo and Chief Michael Okpara, and promised to follow in their footsteps.

He claimed that the current governor of the state had refused to follow the footsteps of Dr Micheal Okpara, who created a viable economy for the eastern region.

“Today, not only has the government destroyed the legacy of Okpara, they have not created one (one good legacy),” he said.

Giving her address, the Deputy governorship candidate, Dr. Edith Ngozi Ugwuanyi, expressed her commitment to developing Enugu and restoring Enugu to a place of pride.

“I have ignited myself to the job, committed to birthing the Enugu of our dream and I am mostly thrilled by the fact that he (Frank Nweke) is committed to grassroots development just like I have being working for years now.

“I am excited to bring on board my years of experience in women and community development, healthcare, and a lot more”, she said.

She expressed her happiness to be in a party whose slogan is people oriented.

“I found in APGA, a party that recognizes competence regardless of gender. I am excited. We will restore Enugu to the place of pride that it’s meant to be”, Ugwuanyi said.

Dr. Edith Ugwuanyi, a native of Ovoko, in Igbo Eze Local Government Area of the state, is the CEO of African Hope Foundation (AHF) Inc, a USA based NGO, established for the advancement of women, health, food safety and programs for women and youths employment.

She studied Nursing and obtained a BSN at Texas Woman’s University in Houston Texas Medical Branch, USA 1990. She also obtained an M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix, Arizona 2007.