Abia State’s economic promises are failing to reach ordinary citizens, according to All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and 2027 governorship aspirant, Mascot Uzor Kalu, who says Abians are still waiting to feel the impact of government policies.
Speaking during a media engagement in Umuahia, Kalu said residents that embraced the government’s pledges of economic revival but are now growing impatient as hardship persists at the household and small-business level.
He noted that traders, artisans, transport operators and young entrepreneurs continue to battle daily financial strain, despite repeated policy announcements aimed at improving the business environment.
According to him, poor access to affordable credit and the burden of multiple taxation remain major obstacles choking small and medium-scale enterprises across the state.
“Economic policies must leave government papers and enter people’s pockets,” he said, insisting that real, visible relief at the grassroots is the true measure of success.
Kalu outlined what he described as practical solutions to jumpstart Abia’s economy, including a structured small-business support fund offering low-interest loans, grants for youth- and women-led start-ups, and stronger partnerships with microfinance institutions to widen access to credit.
He also called for industrial clusters in Aba and Umuahia, where small manufacturers can share power, equipment and logistics, slash operating costs and boost local production.
On jobs, the APC stalwart pushed for vocational and digital skills programmes linked directly to industry needs, government-backed apprenticeship schemes and deeper public-private partnerships.
He further urged deliberate investment in agriculture value chains to help farmers earn more while creating jobs in processing and distribution.
The governorship hopeful stressed that his comments were meant as constructive engagement, not mere criticism.
He challenged the state government to open up its books to the public by releasing clear timelines, budget performance reports and measurable economic targets.
“People want to see where we are going and how we are getting there,” he said, warning that as 2027 approaches, Abians will judge leadership by how policies improve real livelihoods, not press statements.
