By Chidimma Okoye
As Anambra State commemorates 35 years of its creation, the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area has on Aug. 30 called for unity of purpose, responsible citizenship and inclusive governance, stressing that the future development of the state must be driven by collective responsibility. The Mayor, in a statement marking the anniversary, said the 35-year journey of Anambra had been defined by resilience, enterprise, ingenuity and the determination of its people to overcome challenges and achieve excellence.
He described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the state’s political and developmental journey while acknowledging the contributions of successive military and civilian administrations to the growth of Anambra. Anambra State was created on Aug. 27, 1991, by the administration of the then Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, with Navy Captain Joseph Abulu as its first Military Administrator.
The Mayor noted that Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife subsequently became the first elected governor of the state in 1992, adding that subsequent military administrations were led by Dabo Aliyu, Mike Attah, Rufai Garba and Emmanuel Ukaegbu. He said the return to democratic governance in 1999 ushered in successive administrations led by Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju, Sen. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, Mr Peter Obi, Dame Virginia Etiaba, Sen. Andy Uba and Chief Willie Obiano.
According to him, each administration made varying contributions to the political, infrastructural, economic and social development of the state, despite the different circumstances and challenges encountered during their respective tenures. The mayor also commended the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, saying that since its assumption of office in March 2022, the government had embarked on an ambitious development agenda covering security, infrastructure, economic transformation, education, healthcare and human capital development.
He said the administration’s efforts were consistent with the broader objective of making Anambra a more liveable and prosperous state. The Anaocha Mayor urged the people of the state to place the collective interest of Anambra above political and partisan considerations, arguing that the responsibility for writing the next chapter of the state’s history could not be left to government alone.
He particularly emphasised the importance of grassroots development, saying that the real impact of governance should be measured by conditions in villages, communities, markets, schools, health centres and homes. The mayor maintained that the ultimate measure of Anambra’s progress should be the wellbeing of its citizens and the quality of life enjoyed by people across the communities.
He described Ndi Anambra as the state’s greatest asset, citing their industriousness, creativity, resilience and commitment to community development.
He said the state’s 35-year journey demonstrated the ability of its people to turn adversity into opportunity and setbacks into new beginnings, stressing that the same spirit would be required to confront emerging challenges.
The mayor called for a renewed commitment to unity, peace, innovation, responsible citizenship, inclusive governance and sustainable development, saying these were essential to building a stronger Anambra for future generations. He expressed optimism about the future of the state, insisting that the journey was still ongoing and that every citizen had a role to play in shaping the next phase of Anambra’s development.
The mayor, on behalf of the people of Anaocha, congratulated Ndi Anambra at home and in the diaspora on the 35th anniversary of the state’s creation and wished the state continued peace, progress and prosperity.
Chidimma Okoye is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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