By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa, says the dedication of his father, a pioneer APGA Local Government Chairman of Onitsha South, to APGA’s core ideology, shaped his commitment to the party and prepared him for the role he is playing today.
Ezeokenwa who disclosed this recently, also said he and his team were working towards enthroning APGA as the ruling party in Nigeria.
The APGA supremo who stated this while addressing journalists at the APGA Regional Office, Awka, to commemorate his One Year Anniversary as National Chairman, said that his journey with APGA began during his undergraduate years when he was deeply inspired by the legacy of his father.
His words, ‘Today, we commemorate a remarkable milestone – the first anniversary of my tenure as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). On May 31st, 2023, during a monumental National Congress in Awka, I was entrusted with the immense responsibility and honour of leading this esteemed party.
‘Being recognized as the youngest National Chairman of a frontline political party in Nigeria was a momentous achievement made possible by your unwavering support and trust.
‘Upon assuming office, I introduced the DRIVE Agenda, a strategic blueprint designed to propel our party forward. The DRIVE Agenda, symbolizing Discipline, Rebranding and Repositioning, Inclusivity, Visibility, and Expansion, has guided our remarkable journey over the past year.
‘Under my leadership, we’ve cultivated a disciplined culture within our party by setting clear guidelines and expectations.
‘This has promoted accountability and transparency, ensuring all members uphold APGA’s values.
‘We embarked on a rebranding and repositioning effort to redefine APGA’s image at both the National, State and ward levels through strategic communication campaigns.
‘This included redesigning our logo, launching a strong social media presence, and organizing high-visibility events.
‘Our inclusive approach has ensured that every party organ and structure was strengthened to work without interference, where ward, local government, and state structures function without dictates from the party hierarchy, ensuring inclusive leadership within the party ranks. This has enriched our decision-making and strengthened our unity.
‘We increased APGA’s visibility through various initiatives and partnerships, leveraging both traditional and digital media platforms.
‘Lastly, we have significantly expanded by welcoming prominent defectors and key stakeholders, reflecting the strength and appeal of our vision and agenda,’ Ezeokenwa said.
He disclosed that in just one year, his leadership had achieved what he called groundbreaking milestones that underscored its commitment to making a tangible difference, among others, which, he said, included,
APGA Foundation which will be commissioned next month; APGA Membership Digitization that made APGA the first political party in Nigeria to implement the complete digitization of its membership; APGA Digital Hub set to be commissioned this month; APGA Manifesto, known as The People’s Declaration.
On the economic front, he said APGA had been at the forefront of proposing policies that promoted sustainable growth, job creation and economic empowerment for all, noting that they had emphasized the importance of diversifying the economy; investing in key sectors, such as Agriculture and Technology; and fostering an environment, conducive to entrepreneurship and innovation.
In the sphere of inclusive governance, the APGA boss said the party had championed the cause of good governance that was transparent, accountable and responsive to the needs of the people.
‘We have advocated for stronger institutions, anti-corruption measures, and policies that empower marginalized groups, ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s progress,’ he said, while paying tribute to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for what he described as Soludo’s dedication and commitment towards the development of Anambra State,’ he said.
Ezeokenwa stated that the Governor was honoured as the Governor of the Year in infrastructural development by Champions Newspaper as a recognition of his transformative leadership and the tangible impact of his administration’s initiatives on the lives of the people.
