Muhammed Bawa, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Etsako Federal Constituency in Edo State, has pledged to establish an enterprise fund to empower youths and promote economic development if elected in 2027.

Bawa made the pledge while addressing community stakeholders, youth groups and traders during his campaign tour of the constituency.

He unveiled what he called the Efua (Light) Manifesto, anchored on a “Triple Integration Agenda” focused on social, economic and political integration across Etsako West, Etsako East and Etsako Central.

The candidate said the proposed Etsako Enterprise Sinking Fund would operate as an audited, revolving capital mechanism designed to help trained unemployed youths transition from job seekers to business owners.

He said beneficiaries would be organised into corporate cooperatives and equipped with revenue-generating assets, including heavy industrial equipment, agro-processing machinery and logistics infrastructure.

According to him, the enterprises would generate revenue, sustain their owners and repay subsidised capital into the fund, allowing other cooperatives to benefit.

Bawa said the model was intended to move youths away from dependency towards ownership and productivity, while creating stronger economic links among communities across the constituency.

He also said economic cooperation among residents of Etsako West, Etsako East and Etsako Central could help reduce divisions and encourage shared development.

On legislative representation, Bawa pledged to pursue federal infrastructure projects, support the protection of farmlands and advocate measures that would improve agricultural production.

He also promised to adopt what he described as a more active approach to representation in the House of Representatives, saying the constituency required lawmakers who would advance its economic and political interests.

Bawa said his private-sector experience had prepared him to pursue his proposed economic development agenda, adding that he intended to apply lessons from running businesses to public service.