By Simeon OSAJIE
The Oredo Federal House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, has pledged to sponsor legislation to protect vulnerable residents, improve access to healthcare and education, and promote youth and women’s empowerment if elected to the Green Chamber of the National Assembly.
Iyamu made the pledge on Tuesday during a visit to the Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Edo State Council, Benin City, where the Oredo APC Chairman, Osamudiamen Osarenkhoe, led party leaders and candidates to introduce the party’s flag bearers to journalists.
The former Edo State Commissioner for Education said his legislative agenda would focus on policies capable of improving living conditions, tackling poverty and expanding opportunities for residents of Oredo Federal Constituency.
He expressed confidence that his experience in public service and established connections would enable him to attract federal projects and deliver meaningful development to his constituents.
Citing his record as State Commissioner of Education, Iyamu said he facilitated the construction and commissioning of about 6.2 kilometres of internal roads at a state-owned polytechnic through engagements with relevant authorities in Abuja.
He said the achievement demonstrated his capacity to leverage strategic relationships to attract development projects, promising to deploy similar experience to the benefit of Oredo if elected.
On education, the Oredo APC Federal Constituency candidate described it as a powerful instrument for breaking the cycle of poverty, addressing insecurity and preparing young people for a productive future.
He claimed that nearly 100 schools were reconstructed and remodelled within one year during his tenure as commissioner, alongside improvements in classroom facilities and the provision of furniture for pupils.
Going further, Dr. Iyamu added that his administration initiated aspects of the Safe School Initiative before the Federal Government’s intervention, stressing that he would prioritise legislation and policies to strengthen school security and improve learning conditions.
According to him, every child deserves access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed, irrespective of their family background.
On healthcare, he pledged to support legislative measures and programmes that would expand access to medical services and improve the overall well-being of residents.
He also emphasised women’s economic empowerment, arguing that investing in women would strengthen families, improve livelihoods and contribute to community development.
Iyamu said his foundation had supported women through various initiatives, adding that he would seek to expand such interventions if elected.
Addressing youth development, he described young people as essential to societal progress and called for greater investment in skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
He cited partnerships facilitated during his tenure as commissioner, including an agreement with Chinese counterparts that enabled some Edo youths to travel to China.
The APC candidate pledged to build on such initiatives by promoting programmes that would equip young people with relevant skills, improve their economic prospects and help them become self-reliant.
Iyamu said his ambition to represent Oredo Federal Constituency was driven by a desire to translate his public service experience into tangible benefits for the people.
He appealed to voters to support his candidacy in 2027, promising effective representation, people-oriented legislation and sustained efforts to attract development projects to the constituency.