By Maureen Agbala :
Anambra State is focused on creating a prosperous homeland where every Anambarian can return with pride, reinvest their resources, and continue building legacy for future generations while staying connected to their roots.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, stated this at an event held at the ASATU Hall, Government House, Awka, in collaboration with Presidents-General and community leaders on the Public-Private Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration set to accelerate community development.
Mrs. Nnake explained that the PPCP, also known as the ‘Solu Dozie’ Anambra Initiative, serves as a major platform created by the state government to unite Ndi Anambra across the globe allowing them to witness the development of social infrastructure, recognize their contributions, and participate in the growth of their communities.
She emphasized that while the state government is doing a great job with limited resources, they cannot achieve everything alone. This is why the PPCP initiative requires the partnership of Presidents-General and community leaders to spearhead it.
“We are here to educate them, present the project, and get their input to further develop this initiative. The PGs will lead the community implementation teams, and we believe that their input at this early stage is crucial in addressing concerns we may not have considered at the grassroots level.
“This meeting also is to inform them that we are doing this together. The government cannot do everything. We need everyone on board to ensure the initiative comes to life.
“When we focus on healthcare, we ask how we can mobilize our people wherever they are in the world, to ensure that their healthcare facilities are functional and serving their intended purpose. The state government is committed to ensuring that every community-led project is completed and functional, she explained.
Mrs. Nnake clarified that the PPCP is not a continuation of the Community Choose Your Project Initiative, which was funded solely by the government. “This is a new initiative aimed at mobilizing Ndi Anambra across the globe.
“Many want to know what’s happening in their communities but don’t have the information or know how to help out. For example, we aim to raise awareness about the condition of healthcare facilities in their communities and how they can help make them more functional. Some people may not be able to build a school but can contribute to upgrading an existing one—that’s what this initiative is all about.
“This PPCP allows more people to do something meaningful. It encourages participation in various community projects toward creating a better society and a more developed Anambra State. This initiative has no set time frame due to its nature and will continue indefinitely. For now, we are focusing on healthcare and social infrastructure because of the immediate impact they can have,” she declared.
Mrs Nnake informed that the programme will be rolled out before the year end.
National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU),Titus Nnabuike Akpaudo (Esq), described the new initiative as commendable. He explained that the communities are expected to use their own resources for development, but this will be under the government’s strict 100% supervision to ensure that any project embarked upon by a community is seen through to completion.
“I commend Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary leadership and applaud Mrs. Nnake, who is truly dedicated to her duties and always ready to serve the state’s growth and development. The PGs and town unions are pleased with this initiative, and we are fully committed to ensuring its success. I assure the state governor that he can count on us to make the plan work as intended,” he said.
In his remarks, Zonal Leader of the Anambra South Senatorial Zone, ASATU and former President-General of Orsumoghu, Ichie Chika Dennis Muomife, stated that the state government is institutionalizing an already existing system by formalizing community efforts for greater productivity.
“In the past, communities, especially in Anambra State, achieved projects through community effort. Now that the government wants to formalize this process, it is a positive development because it will increase the trust and confidence people have in their leaders. Knowing that the government is involved will encourage people to contribute even more,” said Ichie Muomife.
* Agbala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *