Mr Richard Akinaka, a young entrepreneur and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer for Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, over the weekend, embarked on a strategic consultation with some stakeholders and elders in the district, emphasising service, education, and the restoration of trust in leadership.

Akinaka’s consultative visit took him to prominent elders in the district, such as Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, PANDEF President, Chief Abel Ebifebowei, aka Osuwo, amongst others. He emphasised the lack of effective representation and the urgent need for purposeful leadership.

He described the current situation in Bayelsa Central as one where the people’s voices have not been heard, and tangible impacts from representation remain absent.

Akinaka, who rose from humble village beginnings through community support, positioned himself as an embodiment of his people’s aspirations. He recounted personal interventions in education, health, and community welfare, including paying teachers’ salaries in his village for years and providing scholarships.

Akinaka also stressed the core responsibility of lawmaking, noting that his legislative contributions would be driven by intimate knowledge of the challenges facing his people in the District, the oil-bearing Niger Delta region and Nigeria at large.

“My legislative contributions will stem from my knowledge of the needs of my constituency, the underserved people of the Niger Delta and Nigerians at large. I am conscious of introducing bills that will, among other things, strengthen institutions in the Niger Delta region and address the very troubling situations bedeviling our people,” he said.

According to him, central to his vision is the establishment of a trust structured as a limited liability company to manage constituency projects.

“The trust would be in the form of a limited liability company that will have elders like you sitting on the board… Richard Akinaka will not bring a company anywhere to do such jobs. That trust that we have our people representing us will do the jobs and will ensure that the jobs are done,” he explained. “Whatever profit that comes out of those things will form a common purse and will highlight areas of immediate need and concern… especially education.”

He outlined practical economic empowerment initiatives, including support for fishing communities through modern tools, boat building, fish drying and packaging facilities, and collaboration with federal agencies like the Ministry of Agriculture and NDDC to create jobs and reduce youth restiveness.

Akinaka emphasised his track record of selfless service, noting he has committed a significant portion of his income to community development without publicising it.

“Anywhere I find myself, I just want to add value… there is a percentage of my income that I’ve assigned to all these things,” he said.

Receiving Akinaka and his team at his residence in the Opolo area of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Ambassador Godknows Boladei Igali, Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), threw his weight behind Akinaka, describing him as a focused, results-driven young leader with a proven commitment to human development and community impact.

In a heartfelt endorsement, Ambassador Igali praised Akinaka’s boldness and track record as an astute businessman operating successfully in the marine, oil and gas sector. He noted that Akinaka has consistently demonstrated leadership through his business ventures that employ technical personnel while championing education, vocational training, and skills development for youths and young women in the region.

“From what I’ve known you, you have been focused on human development, focused on results, focused on impact on community. Nobody can take that from you,” Igali said.

The PANDEF Chairman expressed strong confidence in Akinaka’s capacity to represent his people effectively in the Senate, urging him to speak up boldly for the Niger Delta region, which he described as contributing immensely to the nation’s wealth yet plagued by underdevelopment and poverty. He advised the aspirant to play by the rules, focus on his programs — particularly education and technical empowerment — and avoid character assassination.

Ambassador Igali drew parallels with past young senators like David Brigidi, who made significant impacts at a similar age, and assured Akinaka of his belief in him as a person.

The Ijaw leader offered prayers for a successful outcome for Akinaka and his team, wishing him well irrespective of party affiliation and pledging support when the time comes.

Earlier, Akinaka dedicated an operational and strategic office to God, which will collaborate with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the electioneering campaign when it kicks off.

He concluded by soliciting the blessings and support of elders to enable him to scale up his efforts through institutional platforms for the benefit of the senatorial district.

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