The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate for Ebonyi North Senatorial District in the 2027 general election, Engr Sunday Andrew Opoke has unveiled an ambitious agenda aimed at reducing the number of women engaged in hazardous and physically demanding jobs across the district.
Speaking during an interview with journalists in Abakaliki on Thursday, Opoke said the persistent sight of women carrying concrete on construction sites, breaking stones in quarry locations, and undertaking other strenuous forms of manual labour was a reflection of economic hardship, limited opportunities, and inadequate access to education and technology.
According to him, his vision is to create a society where women are empowered through education, technology, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic opportunities rather than being compelled by poverty to engage in backbreaking labour for survival.
He said that if elected to represent Ebonyi North in the Senate, he would champion legislative measures designed to improve workplace safety for women employed in hazardous occupations and promote welfare standards across various sectors.
The candidate disclosed that he would also push for policies encouraging construction firms to adopt mechanised equipment to reduce excessive dependence on manual labour while advocating for special intervention funds targeted at women entrepreneurs and cooperative societies.
He further pledged to sponsor legislation that would provide incentives for industries that employ and train women in skilled and professional roles, as well as strengthen social protection programmes for vulnerable women and widows.
On technology and innovation, the PDP standard-bearer stressed the need to prepare women for emerging economic opportunities through digital skills acquisition and technological advancement.
“The future belongs to technology. We must introduce modern construction equipment to reduce manual lifting and carrying of materials. We must establish technology and innovation hubs across Ebonyi North and train women in digital skills, remote work, e-commerce and technology-driven businesses,” he said.
He added that women should be supported to participate in emerging sectors such as information and communication technology, renewable energy, smart agriculture and water technology, noting that mechanised quarrying and construction practices would significantly reduce physical strain on workers.
The senatorial hopeful identified economic empowerment as a critical tool for improving the living conditions of women and pledged to facilitate access to interest-free and low-interest loans for women-owned businesses.
Opoke also promised support for women-led agricultural value-chain enterprises, vocational training programmes and cooperative societies that would enable women to access funding and markets.
According to him, mentorship programmes linking successful entrepreneurs with young women would also form part of his empowerment agenda.
The PDP candidate further highlighted education as a key pillar of his development blueprint, promising to expand adult literacy programmes in rural communities and promote girl-child education across the district.
He said scholarships and bursaries would be made available to deserving students, while entrepreneurship and digital literacy centres would be established to equip women and youths with skills relevant to the modern economy.
Addressing unemployment and poverty, he pledged to attract industries and investors to Ebonyi North, establish agro-processing zones, promote small and medium-scale enterprises and support local manufacturing initiatives capable of generating thousands of jobs.
He also proposed the establishment of business incubation centres to nurture startups and encourage innovation among young entrepreneurs.
Opoke stressed the need for a societal shift towards greater respect and support for women, calling for public enlightenment campaigns, increased participation of women in governance and recognition of outstanding achievements by women in business, education, science and public service.
He maintained that his ultimate goal was to build an Ebonyi North where women would no longer be forced by economic hardship to undertake dangerous and physically demanding jobs but would instead thrive in productive and dignified occupations.
“My dream is an Ebonyi North where our women are empowered through education, technology, enterprise and economic opportunities to achieve their full potential. Their strength should build businesses, industries, innovations and prosperous families, not be consumed by avoidable hardship,” Opoke said.
The PDP candidate expressed confidence that with the right policies and leadership, the district could create a more prosperous future for women and families across Ebonyi North ahead of the 2027 elections.
