Ogbaga, who spoke with journalists in Abakaliki during the weekend, said his commitment to human capital development had been demonstrated through personal interventions in education and skills acquisition programmes, despite not holding any political office.
The ADC standard-bearer disclosed that he had sponsored the education of nine individuals from their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) to university graduation, entirely at his personal expense.
According to him, more than 30 youths have also benefited from various vocational and skills acquisition programmes he facilitated, enabling them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
"I am not boasting, but I can confidently point to nine graduates whom I trained from SSCE to university level free of charge. These are graduates, not undergraduates. I have also trained over 30 young people in different vocational skills, and they are doing well today," he said.
Ogbaga further revealed that he operates a support scheme for graduates preparing for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), under which eligible beneficiaries receive N50,000 financial assistance each upon presenting their respective clearance documents.
"I have a standing arrangement whereby graduates who have been cleared by their institutions for NYSC orientation receive N50,000 each as support. All I require is evidence of their clearance, and they become eligible for the assistance," he stated.
The ADC candidate said his decision to contest the 2027 election was driven by a desire to expand the scope of his interventions and attract greater dividends of democracy to the constituency.
He pledged to prioritise education, student welfare and youth development, stressing that significant reforms were needed to improve learning conditions and educational outcomes across the constituency.
"There is a lot that needs to be done in the education sector. The welfare of students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions deserves urgent attention. The quality of teaching and learning within the constituency must be improved," he said.
Ogbaga expressed confidence in his electoral prospects, attributing his optimism to what he described as widespread grassroots support across the seven wards and 87 polling units that make up Abakaliki North State Constituency.
He maintained that his longstanding relationship with residents and track record of community service had positioned him favourably ahead of the 2027 polls.
"I personally purchased my expression of interest and nomination forms, and I am fully prepared for this contest. The people know me, and they know what I have done for them without holding public office. If given the opportunity to represent them, I will do much more," he said.
The ADC candidate called on eligible voters to support his aspiration, assuring them of effective representation and impactful constituency projects if elected, assuring that his priorities would be youth empowerment, quality education, infrastructure development, accessible healthcare and economic growth of his constituents.
"My appeal to the people is to stand up and do the needful. I am convinced that the challenges facing Abakaliki North State Constituency can be addressed through purposeful leadership. If elected, I will not fail the people because failing them would amount to failing myself," he added.
