By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, highlighted that Anambra has the largest market in West Africa. “This is a city driven by commerce, with industry following closely,” he said during a courtesy visit from Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michal Cygan, at his office in the Lighthouse, Awka.
He mentioned that Anambra hosts Nigeria’s biggest automobile manufacturing company and also has a thriving technology sector. He praised the industriousness of Anambra’s men and women, who excel globally in various fields, saying that if you go to any place in the world and there’s no Igbo man particularly an Anambra man or woman, leave the place because there is no money to make there.
Governor Soludo noted that his vision is to transform Anambra into Africa’s version of Dubai-Taiwan Silicon Valley. “Anambra is the gateway to Southeast Nigeria. We envision about 70% urbanization focused on industrialization, technology, entertainment, and leisure—the opportunity zones of the future. We look forward to this exchange and building a partnership that shapes our future. We plan to hold a trade fair focusing on technology and other sectors,” he said.
The Polish Ambassador Mr Cygan, expressed pleasure at visiting the state and the warm reception. He said that their visit aims to establish an academic partnership between Poland and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University (COOU).
“I was pleased to meet with COOU Vice Chancellor, Prof. Kate Omenuagha, and we discussed opening avenues for academic collaboration. Poland’s academic presence in Nigeria has been limited so far.
“We have conducted several academic exchanges, including a successful partnership between Warsaw University and Bayero State University in Kano. We also maintain a long-standing relationship with Nasarawa State University, others.”
Cygan added that they are beginning a new chapter to formalize cooperation with COOU. “Beyond academic exchanges involving faculties, graduates, and students, I believe we are just starting to strengthen ties in business and people-to-people connections between Poland and Nigeria.
“It is my hope that under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra will play a significant role in these exchanges. As we participate in trade fairs and organize Polish-Nigeria forums, Anambra will always be among the invited guests, fostering connections with Polish universities, research institutes, and enterprises that could lead to beneficial investments,” he concluded.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
