By Stella Obi
Homeland Consciousness is an initiative spearheaded by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, of Anambra State. The initiative, launched as part of his governance vision, aims to foster a think home mindset among Anambra indigenes particularly those domiciled outside the State.
The concept encourages Ndi Anambra to take ownership of their State’s development by investing resources, skills and capital back into the homeland.
Governor Soludo promoted this concept through his engagements with Anambra communities based in Lagos and outside Nigeria.
Imbibing the Homeland Consciousness spirit in Anambra involves fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility among its indigenes.
It also emphasizes unity, economic empowerment and changing negative narratives about the State and build a secure, investment friendly environment.
Recently, Anambra State Liaison Officer, Lagos, Barr. Leo Chiegboka, speaking during town visitation to Anambra Town Unions based in Lagos, underscored the importance of individuals and town unions outside the homeland contributing to the development of the State.
Chiegboka noted that contributing towards the development of Anambra State fosters a sense of belonging, promotes collective well-being, economic development and builds stronger connection.
The liaison officer observed that a deep attachment to the land provides emotional support, and strong foundation for collective action and progress.
“A deep connection to one’s homeland encourages the preservation of its unique culture, tradition and values, which are seen as integral to the State’s existence and development. It provides a collective purpose, uniting people under shared ideals and goals for the betterment of their State,” Chiegboka explained.
While noting that Anambra State is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of Governor Soludo, the liaison officer enumerated the governor’s remarkable achievements in various sectors of the State since assuming office in March 2022 as; construction of over 754 kilometers of new roads with 462 kilometers asphalted and completed, recruitment of teachers, free education policy leading to increase in enrollment and having the lowest number of out-of-school children in the country, built new general hospitals, free antenatal care and recorded the lowest infant mortality rate in the country as well as recruitment of health personnel.
Others include, construction of the State-of-the- art Government House and Lodge, launching of Operation Udo Ga Chi and establishing a new State security outfit, construction of flyovers to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities, Solution Fun City, urban transformation and the Chinua Achebe Airport.
Chiegboka informed that the governance milestones and achievements of Governor Soludo, build on his pre-governorship legacy as former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, where he led banking sector reforms.
He called for support for the governor and collective efforts towards the development of the State, enjoining communities not to disconnect from activities and development taking place in Anambra but rather be in tune.
Responding, the town unions chairmen lauded efforts of Governor Soludo and attested to his good works in transforming Anambra State.
Towns visited were Alor, Isuofia, Agulu, Achalla, Ogidi and Awkuzu.
Obi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
