Abia 2027 governorship aspirant, Sir Mascot Uzor Kalu, has declared that any state claiming development without empowering its grassroots is “building on sand,” insisting that true progress begins with the ordinary people.
Kalu warned that no economy can grow when those at the base remain excluded, making it known that real leadership is measured by impact, not presentations.
According to him, “The progress of any state economy does not emerge from lofty speeches or well written plans. It comes from the grassroots feeling the impact of the government in tangible and meaningful ways.”
He argued that communities are the heartbeat of every state and must be the first beneficiaries of infrastructure, welfare, and economic empowerment.
“When government policies touch the grassroots first, the entire state feels the ripple effect. But when the people at the base are neglected, no matter what statistics say, real progress is absent,” he said.
Kalu maintained that Abia needs a bottom-up leadership style built on listening, local solutions, and tangible interventions.
“The people in our villages, wards and communities are not statistics. They are the foundation on which the state economy stands. If they are empowered, the state becomes stronger and more prosperous,” he added.
He said his 2027 vision rests on inclusive governance that bridges the gap between leaders and ordinary citizens.
“Every sustainable transformation must begin with the people. My commitment is to ensure that no community is left behind and that development is felt not only in the cities but in every corner of the state,” he stated.
Calling for unity over politics, Kalu urged Abians to rally behind a shared vision for the state’s future.
“Abia belongs to all of us, not to any political party or faction. If we unite with sincerity and a common vision, we can build the state our children will be proud of,” he said.
