Dr. Martina Amarachi Ononiwu has officially declared her intention to contest for the Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal House of Representatives seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC), promising to address the critical issues of unemployment and empowerment for women and youth in the constituency.
Speaking on Friday at Mbaraukwu Umuwaya Mbara in Amuzukwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, Dr. Ononiwu addressed a large crowd of supporters, party stakeholders, and community leaders. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of changing the system to allow for the full potential of the people to be realized.
“For too long, our people have been strengthened in silence. We are hardworking, resilient, and gifted, yet our system has failed to reflect our true potential,” she stated. “Our traders are not weak, our youths are not lazy, and our farmers are not unproductive. It is our system that has simply not worked for us. But today, I stand with a different conviction, and I am saying that we can change the system, rebuild it, and make it work for our people.”
Dr. Ononiwu, who has spent over twenty years abroad, bringing back a wealth of international experience, also made it clear that her campaign is not about politics as usual. She pledged to build a system driven by opportunity, technology, and innovation, particularly focusing on digital empowerment for youth and women.
“I am not here to just represent you. I am here to position our constituency for the future,” she said, stressing her expertise as a business strategist and artificial intelligence consultant. “We are not going to do politics as usual. We are going to create an opportunity-driven system, ensuring that every young person in this constituency can access global jobs.”
She further promised to connect the local economy to the global market, empower women to market agricultural products internationally, and reduce reliance on traditional “stomach infrastructure,” which she believes has failed to sustain long-term growth.
Dr. Ononiwu also highlighted her alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which focuses on economic growth, job creation, and inclusive development, particularly for women.
“This is a moment of history, responsibility, and decision. Leadership is not reserved for a particular gender. It is a signal that competence has no gender and that the future is here now,” she added.
The aspirant emphasized the importance of creating a leadership system that provides lasting solutions rather than temporary fixes. She called on her constituents to choose courage, progress, and vision over comfort and excuses.
The event also featured several key figures from the community who expressed their full support for Dr. Ononiwu’s candidacy. Hon. Okezie Ogbonna urged party members to support her as she seeks to bring meaningful change to the constituency. Mrs. Mary Ify Johnpedro Irokansi, the Ibeku Egwu Asaa Woman Leader, praised her as a capable candidate who can lead the nation towards progress. Chief Mrs. Florence Ibeegbu also expressed her confidence in Dr. Ononiwu’s leadership potential, offering her personal support.
Lolo Josephine Chukwu, the Deputy State Woman Leader in Abia, encouraged women to actively participate in the upcoming elections by obtaining party cards to be part of the change. Chief Okezie Ogbonna concluded by calling on the APC members to rally behind Dr. Ononiwu, promising not to disappoint them if given the party ticket.
As Dr. Martina Ononiwu continues her campaign, she remains committed to building a system of empowerment that will create long-lasting economic opportunities for the youth and women of Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South, transforming them into job creators rather than job seekers.
