By Sanee Yarima, Jalingo
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Taraba State, Chief Iliya Ezekiel, said he would prioritise job creation for women and youths if elected to represent Takum, Donga and Ussa Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.
Ezekiel, a former managing director of Taraba Investment and Properties Limited (TRIP), made the pledge during an interactive session with journalists in Jalingo, the state capital.
He said he would draw on his experience in public sector management to deliver economic opportunities and attract development projects to communities across Takum, Donga, Ussa local government areas and the Yangtu Special Development Area in southern Taraba.
Ezekiel pointed to his tenure at TRIP, where he said he oversaw the revival of several struggling enterprises, including Mambilla Beverages and Taraba Oil Mills.
“I transformed Highland Tea on the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna Local Government Area. When I assumed office, the company had only 17 staff. By the time I left, the workforce had grown to 4,800,” he said.
He added that the expansion was achieved without bank loans or government grants, relying instead on managerial and financial expertise.
According to him, most of the jobs created were filled by residents from across Taraba’s 16 local government areas, with a smaller number from neighbouring Adamawa State.
Ezekiel said he has the capacity to effectively represent the constituency at the National Assembly and pledged not to betray the trust of voters.
He also expressed confidence in the electoral prospects of the ADC, saying the party could win power at local, state and federal levels in 2027.
“The ADC is composed of credible individuals who have the best interests of Nigerians at heart,” he said, adding that the party’s leadership would ensure equitable governance if elected.