The Young Progressives Party (YPP) has reaffirmed its readiness to tackle insecurity in Anambra State, promising to restore peace, revive economic activity, and rekindle the cultural vitality of communities across the state if elected in the November 8 governorship election.
Speaking during the Mkpikpa and Nwafor cultural festivals held over the weekend in Umudioka (Dunukofia LGA) and Ogidi (Idemili North LGA), YPP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Uzu Okagbue, decried the impact of rising insecurity on everyday life in Anambra State.
Okagbue noted that while the festivals reflected the resilience and rich heritage of the people, they also exposed the fear and tension gripping communities across the state.
“Today, I had the honour of joining my brothers and neighbours in Umudioka and Ogidi as both communities marked the cherished Mkpikpa and Nwafor festivals,” he said. “It wasn’t merely a celebration, it was a vivid reminder of who we are: a people steeped in heritage, resilience, and pride. Yet beneath the joy, I saw caution in the eyes of our elders, smaller crowds, and shortened processions, subtle signs of a state held hostage by fear.”
Okagbue described insecurity as the greatest threat to Anambra’s cultural and economic fabric, citing incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, and cult-related violence that have stifled public life and economic productivity.
“Let’s be honest: the enduring beauty of our culture is being dimmed by the persistent failures of leadership,” he said. “Insecurity has not only shattered lives but paralyzed businesses and muted our social vitality.”
He said these realities underscore why he and YPP governorship candidate, Sir Paul Chukwuma, are not in the race for showmanship, but for “purposeful leadership that delivers.”
“A core plank of our vision is the restoration of security across Anambra—not for applause, not for optics, but to rebuild trust and allow our communities to breathe freely again.”
According to Okagbue, the YPP intends to reestablish public confidence, revive local economies, and promote cultural tourism by ensuring a safe environment where festivals like Mkpikpa, Nwafor, Elimede, Ofala, and Igu Aro can thrive and gain international visibility.
“We want our people to gather without fear, to dance without watching over their shoulders, to open their communities to the world and share the richness of our heritage far beyond the Niger.”
He criticised the current administration for failing to harness Anambra’s enormous potential due to what he called “misdirection and weak leadership,” insisting that security is the foundation for progress.
“Anambra does not lack potential, it suffers from misdirection,” Okagbue said. “We must fix leadership. We must restore safety. Only then can we unlock the full economic, cultural, and human potential of this great state.”
Ending his remarks with a message of hope, Okagbue urged Ndi Anambra to remain resilient, assuring them that better days lie ahead.
“To our people, I say: hold on. Do not give up on our homeland. The night may be long, but morning is coming. A new dawn is not only possible, it is within reach. And with it, a future filled with real, shared, and sustainable joy.”
The YPP continues to campaign on a platform centered on security, economic revitalization, and cultural renewal ahead of the November polls.