Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, on March 2, at the initiation of 200 octogenarians into Ogbueshi society of Obosi community, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, described the community as citadel of longevity.
Explaining further, he said, “this is my first time of coming to Ito ogbo ceremony of Obosi, we want to celebrate, thank Obosi people for giving Anambra, Nigeria and the world a celebration of longevity.
“Let the world learn how to celebrate with the living and not the dead, Obosi is one ward that is more than a local government. It deserves to be a local government. The celebration is part of the burial law in Anambra State. It is better to slaughter a cow for the living than dead.
“I urge the youths to decide to be 80 years and above, but killers, touts, among others will not live up to 80 years. Live a decent, responsible life style to be able to live up to 80 years,” he charged the youths.
Earlier, the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, HRM, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, while commending the governor for being physically present at the function, described it as an age long cultural heritage of the people, adding that about 200 octogenarians were initiated into the Ogbueshi society.
“Those initiated have been exempted from all manners of taxations/levies, and my prayer is that all who attended this ceremony will attain 80 years and above.
In his contribution, the Prime Minister of the community, Chief Austin-Anibogwu, said that the aim of the occasion was to promote longevity.
One of the inductees, Ogbueshi Paul Ebugobe Uwakwe, aged 80, thanked God to have attained 80 years and prayed for more years.
Another beneficiary, former Minister of State for Defence, Chief Dan Chuke, expressed satisfaction to have attained 80 years, adding that extra years from God means the person is lucky.
Highlight of the occasion was honouring of some people who have distinguished themselves in serious fields of human endeavor that included, Commander, Special Anti Cultism Squad, SPACS, Obosi, Mr. Isaac Nuhu, who dedicated the award to the IGP, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, and Anambra CP, Mr Ederemi Adeoye, for posting him to Obosi where the community found him worthy to be accorded the honor.
“The honour will spur me to perform more than I have been doing for the interest of God and humanity. The award is a call to duty,” he said.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Industry Commissioner, Anambra State, Mr. Christian Udechukwu has said that the state government have initiated plans to establish economic ties and investment relationship with Indonesia as well as open the doors to bilateral travels.
Mr. Udechukwu said, “such is a unique opportunity for Nigeria, especially Anambra to build a stronger relationship in respect to industrial development.
The Commissioner made this known during a live conference call of the “2nd International Forum of Higher Education,Industry, Government Partnership Meeting and Education Expo” hosted by Anambra-Indonesia Industrial Partnership Development.
“Our interest in participating in this program is primarily to update ourselves on the opportunity that exist on both sides.”
According to the commissioner, Indonesia and Nigeria have a lot of things in common, saying that in terms of population, Indonesia is estimated to be about 275 billion while Nigeria is about 260 million.
“There is opportunities for companies in Indonesia to participate in infrastructure development for Nigeria particularly Anambra.
“I speak particularly in respect of oil and gas, food crops development such as palm oil, coconut, rice soy beans, sugar, corn and more.
“I am aware that between the periods of 1978 to 1988, Indonesia facing some good challenges made significant investments in food development with the result that there is a higher degree of food sufficiency in food production for Indonesia.
“Today, your research development and investment policies will be very useful to Nigeria at this moment. The global cost of living crises that started in Europe, UK and America last year has come to Nigeria and so we are facing food security challenges.We can benefit from Indonesia experience to repeat what they did in 1978 to1988.
The Commissioner expressed that the state is building industries for the purposes of participation in agro food processing, automotive development, economic free zones where companies from Indonesia can benefit from making pioneer incentives in terms of taxing the availability of lands, approvals for establishment of industries which some may be solely owned by Indonesians or joint venture with local partners.”
According to him, the participation of Indonesia in our industrial development would be a significant development as we are very viable in ICT development. We have a Centre called the Solution Innovation District which is entirely dedicated to ICT development and in the next few weeks, we will be launching a program designed to train 1 million digital citizens of the state.
Mr. Udechukwu noted that Anambra has a population of about 8.5 million people and will like to train a million to be literate in ICT and industrial processing so that they will be able to work remotely to serve Indonesian companies as well as come over to Indonesia with their ICT skills if the need arises.
“Nigeria is also African’s fastest ICT economy but the size of the market and the volume of trade in servicing is not as high as that of Indonesians, we are just about to take off because the size of the market in Nigeria is just under five billion.
The Commissioner highlighted that Indonesia is a market leader in tourism, hospitality, hotel development and in the service sector and for us in Nigeria and Anambra in particular it is a very high growth sector.
“We have the population of 8.5 million and we have a national population of over 260 million and with the Africa free trade areas, we have a population of 1.2 billion as well as a market size of over 7 trillion dollars.
“I know that this is a market that Indonesia will be happy to be in. With the Africa free trade growing, companies from Indonesia that are investing in Anambra can serve the entire 1.2 billion people in Africa and get the share of 7 trillion dollar economy.The is the new future that we are opening up to our partners who chose to do business with us.
“We have just concluded a master plan for an industrial city on a 4000 hectare plots of land and in that portion, we are dedicating about 400 hectares to automotive and pharmaceutical product development. We know that Indonesia is also very viable in pharmaceutical production so we welcome your company into the state to participate in the development of Africa’s new 65 nation market located in the state.
The Commissioner emphasized that the state have a population that is highly literate at about 97 percent, adding that the state recently launched a free education program which implied that literacy rate will be approaching 100 percent in the next five years.
According to him, the state is also interested to see that there is a deepening of bilateral relationship in aviation thus having Indonesian airlines flying into Nigeria on a direct flight basis where possible or one stop over in whatever location they prefer.
Mr. Udechukwu added that the state also wants to grow significantly in area of aqua culture, saying that between 2018, Indonesia had an outstanding breakthrough in sea food production to about using 99,000Km of coastline and they were able to excel in sector alone to about 9.3 million tones of production.
Nevertheless, Nigeria does not have the same length of coastline but we have about 400km of miles for fish and aqua culture development as well as about 450km of coastline.
“In this specific areas, we will like to see a growing partnership, a partnership that works and I consider that the opportunity to speak through this forum is a first significant step in deepening and establishing business relationship.”
Present during the live conference meeting is the SSA on Industry, Mr Eloka Mmaduekwe.
*Amaka is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Today marks a significant milestone in the quest to transform the lives of youths positively as the Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Patrick Agha Mba, commenced the activation of a crucial partnership arrangement in upskilling the youths with a working visit to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment in Anambra State.
The visit stems from a Memorandum of Agreement earlier reached on 24th May 2023 between the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, under former Honorable Minister, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, and the Anambra State Government under the leadership of Executive Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo.
This agreement was geared toward the implementation of the Skills Upgrading and Vocational Training (SUVT) Program, in order to intensify efforts on human capital development within Anambra State.
In his remarks, Commissioner Patrick Agha Mba said that the visit was in furtherance of an earlier agreement and to finalize arrangements for the activation of a Vocational Skill Training Centre , Alor in Idemili South and Ifitedunu in Dunukofia LGAs of Anambra State.
He said that these centres are poised to serve as hubs for the next batch of the 1 Youth 2 Skills Solution, which is targeting the training of over 10,000 youths across 55 vocational skills areas of their choice.
The Commissioner emphasized the timely nature of the visit, especially now that the preparation for the upcoming training is in top gear.
He explained that 5,000 youths successfully graduated from the first phase of 1 Youth 2 Skills and got empowered financially for business start-ups/expansion with a total sum of ₦2 billion, the first of its kind in Nigeria.
The Commissioner while highlighting the strides of the Anambra State Government in youth and all aspects of human capital development, commended the Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for his great vision and initiatives like the Anambra Business Summit, Solution Innovation District (SID), and Solution Sports, which had contributed significantly to addressing unemployment challenges in the state.
He emphasized the importance of these programs in societal harmony and development, as the youths constitute about 65% of the state’s population.
Mr. Agha Mba called for continuous collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment through the National Labour and Employment in order to open up doors of opportunities for the youths of Anambra State.
He used the medium to inform the State Controller that the Ministry of Youth Development Anambra State has over 200,000 registered unemployed youth in its Data Bank and expressed the readiness of the Ministry to provide such information to FMLE for policy and program implementation.
Responding, the State Controller, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) Anambra State, Mrs. B. U. Oji-Ogbuehi, expressed her delight at the commissioner’s visit, saying that it was the first of its kind since her years in service.
The Controller, while promising that FMLE will offer all that is required to ensure that the youths of the state are effectively developed, commended Gov. Soludo’s administration for being proactive with the kind of his workforce and approach to governance.
The meeting was attended by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mrs. Chito Osili, Executive Assistant to Governor on Youth Development, Mr. Chibuzor Udeh, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Admin) FMLE Awka, Ndubuisi Nwamaka, Assistant Chief Executive Officer (Admin) FMLE, Awka, Ifeoma Ndibe, and the Media Team of the Ministry of Youth Development.
*Ifeoma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The President General (PG), Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association ( ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, has inaugurated the new executive of United Petrochemical Dealers and Crushers Association of Nigeria, headed by Mr Onyekachi Nwafor as Chairman.
Inaugurating them at the ASMATA Secretariat on February 22, the ASMATA PG charged them to live by their oath of office and avoid acts capable of dragging them to ridicule, adding that they should key into Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s move to restore the lost glory of the markets.
“You should be your brother’s keeper by telling your fellow traders the truth and see yourselves as partners in progress which is the APGA slogan of ‘Onyeaghana Nwanne ya”, he pleaded.
In his post inaugural speech, the new Chairman of the Association, Chief Nwafor, said, “What is expected from us now is that we will unite all the members of the market and make sure we follow government directive.
“We need mobile fire service which we were promised to get. We need permanent site that will accommodate the whole traders,” he noted.
On the allegation that the association deals on fake products, he denied the allegation saying, “We don’t produce or sell fake products, we sell processed products, that is already processed petrochemicals,” he affirmed.
“I will handle our opposition as ourselves and if any case that requires the attention of ASMATA leadership, I will kindly surrender to ASMATA to keep a clean hand.
“Once such case is beyond my settlement, I will involve central body of ASMATA to handle it for us. We come to support government,” he assured.
He, however, admitted that touts exist in the market, saying that they normally dealt with them when they misbehaved, warning, that now they are officially elected and inaugurated, they now have full power to tackle them appropriately.
“There is anti tout squad set up by state government, we will get their phone numbers to work with them toward fighting the touts,” he further added.
On the performance of the ASMATA PG since he assumed office, the new chairman said, “God is using him on the traders. He doesn’t discriminate whether you are rich or poor. Any problem you have, he will listen to you and solve it for peace to reign . There is peace in the market since he assumed office. We are happy that God gave him to us”.
Speaking, Mr Steven Uka, the Secretary of the market, added, “I promise that I will fully support the chairman, we are one body and will be working together to be in unity in order to get what we are fighting for.
“Before I was made the secretary, all of them knew me as a peace maker and trust worthy fellow, so if there is any opposition, we will join hands together to tackle them and we will take them as one of us, with time they will change from their bad ways, that’s our belief.
“Soludo is a solution to Anambra State problem, he is doing very well to Ndi Anambra. We are in full support of his work,” he said.
Also, the Assistant secretary, Mr Adolphus Udeh, added, “I am the assistant secretary of the market. We are solidly behind our chairman, if you know the nature of business we are doing, you know that whoever that abandons his machine and goes out, will lose a lot of things, but we wouldn’t mind, we will support him to be here,” he pledged.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Onitsha Divisional Library is set to undergo a significant transformation, as it has been earmarked for renovation and upgrade to a smart library by the administration of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo.
This was made known during an impromptu visit to the library by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, who urged the librarian and staff to collaborate in generating ideas to facilitate the transformation process.
Gov. Soludo’s commitment to the project was further demonstrated through the donation of 10, 000 books to the library.
Accompanied by the Public Relations Officer of the Ministry, Mr Nnaemeka Egwuonwu, and her Special Assistant, Mr Azubike Egotanwa, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh also paid a courtesy visit to the Divisional Police Officer of Onitsha, CSP Garuba Rabiu, who joined the delegation during the visit.
During the tour of the facilities, led by the librarian, Mrs Juliet Enemuo, Commissioner Chuma-Udeh was briefed on the library’s current state and challenges. Mrs Enemuo appealed for assistance in addressing waste collection issues within the library vicinity, which she identified as a nuisance.
*Obiageli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
In the aftermath of the USTDA Reverse Trade Mission on Cybersecurity, the imperative for international collaboration to combat the escalating menace of cyber threats has become ever more apparent.
Among the Nigerian Delegation to the mission held from February 4 to 15, 2024, Mr. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, CFA, MD/CEO, Anambra State ICT Agency, played a pivotal role alongside counterparts from Ghana and industry leaders in the United States. Together, they shared insights, shedding light on the global implications of cyber threats and the necessity for collaborative efforts.
Highlighting the interconnected nature of cyber threats transcending geographical boundaries, Mr. Agbata underscored the significance of local cyber resilience. “Cybersecurity is an escalating issue that demands proactive measures through robust policies and infrastructure,” he emphasized.
In a groundbreaking move to secure its digital landscape, the Anambra State Government, led by Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, has taken substantial steps in advancing cybersecurity within the state, which underscored the administration’s deep understanding of cybersecurity’s pivotal role in modern governance.
Gov. Soludo’s administration stood out as the first in the state’s history to prioritize cybersecurity to this extent. This marked a critical shift toward safeguarding the state’s digital infrastructure and assets, demonstrating a commitment to security and sustainability.
The administration’s dedication is evidenced by the developing of a comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy, Information security strategies, and frameworks. These initiatives aimed not only to protect the state’s digital environment but also to create a resilient framework against evolving cyber threats. This holistic approach ensured that Anambra’s digital transformation journey remained secure and sustainable.
In an interview, Mr. Nonso Okoye, Senior Special Assistant to Mr. Governor on Cybersecurity, emphasized that cybersecurity is everyone’s business. Recognizing the borderless nature of cyber threats, he stressed the need for a unified global effort to safeguard digital infrastructures.
A notable aspect of Anambra State’s cybersecurity strategy is its emphasis on developing indigenous technological solutions. This focus enhanced security and fostered innovation, economic development, and local expertise. Plans for establishing an incident reporting portal and drafting business and government continuity plans, further underline the administration’s commitment to a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
Mr. Okoye also stressed the importance of community-level cyber resilience, recognizing the localized impact of cybersecurity challenges. “The agency remained committed to staying at the forefront of cybersecurity developments, implementing proactive measures, and advocating for a collaborative approach to mitigate cyber risks”, he concluded.
Gov. Soludo’s administration’s efforts in fortifying the state’s cybersecurity showcased a commendable blend of vision, innovation, and strategic planning. As Anambra advances toward a fully digitized governance model, these cybersecurity measures ensured that the state is not only prepared to defend against digital threats but also positioned as a leader in digital security and governance.
The Anambra State ICT Agency invites stakeholders, industry partners, and the community to join hands in building a resilient digital future. By sharing experiences, and best practices, and fostering collaboration, we can collectively enhance our cyber defenses.
*Angela is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has urged traders who transact business in various Shopping Plazas in the State to defy the purported fear of the unknown gunmen or hoodlums and resume their normal businesses on Mondays.
Speaking during a meeting with Shopping plaza Chairmen and Secretaries at Onitsha on February 19, the President General (PG), ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna reminded the plaza executives on the huge losses being incurred by both individuals and government because of no full business activities every Monday in Anambra and entire South East.
He said that Gov. Chukwuma Soludo who has the interest of Ndi Anambra has been using the tax payers money judiciously having almost completed about 400km roads among other interventions and projects.
“Soludo is working. Last time when Soludo empowered youths, many traders in the market benefited but people from the plaza could not submit any names because you were secluding yourselves.
“Let us unite together, sit up and support Soludo’s government because he is a good and very intelligent man that has the interest of the masses.
“His Excellency hosted a meeting for market leaders and joint task force comprising the Military, Police and AVS and they promised to be patrolling every Monday near the markets and plazas in case of any eventuality.
“So, you leaders should organize yourselves under one umbrella and select a 7 -man committee that will be part of ASMATA leadership meetings so that traders doing business in plazas all over the state can enjoy other privileges which include defending yourselves against multiple taxation from illegal revenue contractors.
“Plazas are Incorporated in ASMATA constitution and nobody will take you serious if you put up any official document without ASMATA letter headed paper.
“Also, remember never to remit any revenue to even I or anyone in cash because all payments are done through the bank with the ANSSID number generated for your own plaza,” Anuna said.
Moreover, Chief Anuna with the support of plazas executives appointed the duo of Engr. Samuel Nwankwo, Manager of Emeka Offor plaza and Mr Chris Nwadilibe of the Young Shall Grow plaza to organize a meeting for all the plazas from major cities in Anambra as soon as possible for further information.
Earlier during the interactive session, Mr Chinedu Udemba of Atlantic plaza Nkpor, Simon Onwe of Ike Dunukofia plaza, Afam Nwagu of Collymart plaza after expressing the fear of endangering the lives of the traders said that plaza owners were also afraid of their plaza being burnt down by hoodlums.
They thanked the ASMATA PG for extending the opportunity for plaza traders to participate in ASMATA affairs and to defend the plazas from intimidation and exploitation, saying that this was the first of its kind.
According to Engr. Nwankwo of Emeka Offor plaza, 50 percent of plaza traders are ready to open for businesses on Mondays but they need to be convinced that government will provide adequate security both at the markets, plazas and roads leading from residential buildings to the plazas.
Nwankwo further requested for the ASMATA constitution and guidelines to enable the plaza traders to participate fully in the ASMATA affairs, urging the PG to ensure that plaza traders have enabling environment for business without interference from touts with many so called authorization form both LG Secretariat and State Government.
Moreso, Ochiagha Chukwunonso of Bethel plaza Niger Street, Onitsha eulogized Soludo for channeling the tax payers money into visible projects like the newly constructed road network within Fegge Onitsha.
He further suggested that South Eastern Governors should go to Aso Rock, Abuja and demand for the unconditional release of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instead of increasing the number of security agents in the state which may scare citizens from going about their normal businesses.
*Uzo is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has terminated the Contract of NBHH Engineering Company at Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the State over negligence and delay in delivering nine roads totalling 14.053 km roads in Okpoko
The Governor announced the immediate termination of the road project contract when he visited the site unannounced on February 20.
Speaking to the contractor, Gov. Soludo said, “The entire project suppose to be through by June last year, this is the eight month after the project supposed to be through, you do not have the capacity to do the job.
“This project suppose to last for nine months and you were mobilized September 10 – February 10 this year, yet, this is February 20, this is the 9 month, and it was supposed to be ended.
“It is totally evident that your company is totally incompetent and we paid 50% mobilization 2022, there is no place else that pays 50% mobilization, and this project suppose to be delivered June last year, nine months after, you have not delivered.
“Today and here, I terminate this contract, it is over, you are going to calculate what you are going to refund back to the state government, you can move your things out here, from tomorrow, I am going to look for another person that will do this job”.
The governor also condemned the practice of street trading, emphasizing the need for organised markets and announced the construction of a modern fruit and vegetable market to relocate street vendors and improve overall aesthetics.
He highlighted the poor sanitary conditions and ordered immediate clean up efforts, assuring that the SASA Anti-tout taskforce will address harassment and illegal levies imposed on traders.
The Transition Committee Chairman of Ogbaru, Mr Paschal Aniegbuna applauded Gov. Soludo for his commitment to tranforming Okpoko community into a livable homeland and expressed optimism about the governor transforming the Okpoko markets into modern markets , following government’s meeting with okpoko market leaders.
The nine road project in Okpoko include: Obodoukwu – Owerri Road (L= 2.884km W=12m), Ogbuagu-Ik Onuora-Anumudu-Mgbuka Amazu -Owerri Road (L= 2.992km W=7.3m), Edeh Road-School Road-Awalite-Ojoto-Owerri Road (L= 1.48km W= 9m), School Road-Umuobom Street-Ojoto Street Junction (L= 0.576km W= 6m) and
Umuobom ST (Ojoto St Junction)-Adazi Ani ST-Owerri Road (L=1. 345km W=6m).
Others were Umenweke ST (Obodoukwu Junction)-Umeojiakor ST (School Rd Junction) (L=0.593km W=6km), Awalite (Ojoto Junction) -Anumudu (Mgbuka Amazu Junction) (L= 0.991km W= 6m), Uzii Street-Mission Street (Awalite Junction) (L= 0.538km W= 6m), and Anumudu Street (Ik Onuora Junction) – Gmo Road (L= 0.350km W= 9m), totalling 14.053km.
*Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Commendations have trailed Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s move in transforming the Awka metropolis to Dubai of our time, describing the activities as worth doing.
This was made known when Anambra Times reporter went round Awka metropolis to monitor some project sites particularly the road from Unizik to Okpuno axis and the road leading to Umukwa Awka where people confirmed that Awka is beginning to take a new look and shape.
Among the categories of persons that spoke were drivers, traders and some working class citizens in the state who noted, “the work has started giving the state capital a different look unlike past years when everywhere are congested with lots of unwarranted building blocking road and at the same time causing more harm than good”.
They explained that even though it is painful to know that some structures were heavily affected, “it is still the best option for a better future”.
According to them, it is a good strategy to put and make things right. It will bring orderliness in the state capital. There will be functional motor parks, reduction of crime rate and road side trading which most often risk the lives of some persons. The best belt is to allow our amiable governor to do that which he knows best to do for better.
*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
It was jubilation galore at Port Harcourt road and Niger street, Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on February 16, as Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, while inspecting the completed Port Harcourt road, had a sort of town hall meeting with Fegge Landlords and residents.
Addressing the residents, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with inter-state buses blocking drainages and mandated a five-meter clearance from the drainages.
He vowed to make Fegge “the best neighborhood anyone can live in” and announced that a new General Hospital would be built and completed before the end of the year.
In his bid to encourage green, clean and sustainable environment, he also announced N18 million for three cleanest and greenest streets, adding that the best street will smile home with N10million, second best N5million while the third will get N3million.
A partnership with landlords for property beautification was proposed, offering subsidized paint through “Made-in-Anambra” manufacturers.
The governor promised to provide transformers to be installed next week to address power supply issues caused by overloading and introduction of prepaid meters alongside the transformers.
“Solar power solutions will be implemented in the Anambra Fruit and Vegetable Market, Ogbaru to address electricity shortages,” Soludo further said.
The governor pledged to upgrade the Anambra Fruit and Vegetable Market, Ogbaru to make it one of the biggest in the state.
Earlier, the Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha South, Mr. Emeka Joseph Orji, expressed gratitude for Gov. Soludo’s commitment to development, citing the completed construction of Port-Harcourt road and Niger Street.
Contributing, the Onitsha South Co-ordinator, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Mr Onyeke Franklin, thanked the governor for his excellent work in the state that include, employment of youths through 1 youth 2 skills initiative, road rehabilitation, sack of touts and fight against crime and criminality.
Earlier, the Onitsha South Chairman, All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Uche C. Umennakaenyi, said that the governor has made them proud by constructing the Port Harcourt road and other roads in Fegge, urging him not to relent in making the state a better place to live in.
He vowed that those who dump refuse into the drainages and block the road would not go unpunished, adding that the governor’s achievements would speak for him come 2025 Gubernatorial election.
Contributing, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Bridge Head market, Mr. Chinedu Ezekwike Akweke, said that the market benefited from the construction of the two major roads, (Port Harcourt road and Niger street) that led to the market.
He commended the contractor that constructed the Port Harcourt road for extending it to the market through Oduwanu street even as he commended the governor for the rapid infrastructural development of the State.
According to him, APGA-led government has been up and doing in the infrastructural development of the state, especially in the areas of roads rehabilitation, employment through 1 youth 2 skills initiative.
The Onitsha South ASATU Youth Mayor, Mr Dunu Chiadikobi commended Gov. Soludo for his marvelous work in Onitsha South and expressed their readiness to re-elect him come 2025.
Speaking, Chief Ndubuisi Umezuruike, Deputy Chairman, Onitsha South Landlords Association, expressed satisfaction with the construction of Port Harcourt road and others in Fegge, stressing that since 1970 till date, it was Soludo that tackled roads in Fegge and urged residents to vote him for second tenure to enable him to complete his projects in the state.
“We have not had it like this before, this Port Harcourt road is one of the major roads in Fegge, the governor’s name has been written in the Guiness book of records. I was here by 5.30 in the morning and anybody who put refuse into the drainages or damage the roads will not go unpunished.
“Government cannot do all things for us, the governor has done his part, it is left for us to do ours. We urge the governor to also work on Uga street for us as it is also one of the major roads,” he pleaded.
In his contribution, a philantropist and oil magnet, Chief Pius Udokwu, said that the governor has been doing well to better the welfare of the people and urged all to support him in his efforts to move the state forward.
“Our governor is doing very well, he gave us time in this town hall meeting with him. This Port Harcourt road formerly was not motorable. We are happy with the governor and will continue to support him in his efforts to better the lives of the people in the state,” he said.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion included, the Speaker, Anambra House of Assembly, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu; Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, and Chief of Protocol.
Others were Chinedu Nwoye Glamour; Commissioner for Environment, Mr Felix Odimegwu; MD ASWAMA, Mike Ozoemena; MD Anambra Urban Regeneration Council, Arc. Mike Okonkwo; and Chairman Onitsha North Local Government Area Caretaker Committee , Mr Charles Ozoma.
*Juliana, Patricia are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
