Ezenagu Wins Gov Soludo’s Commendation As He Rehabilitates Major Road In Ebenator

Chief Ezenagu, popularly known as Ọbataobie, flagged off the road rehabilitation project in the past few days, beginning with the ever-busy Obinugwu Road, a major internal route that had long suffered heavy deterioration, erosion impacts, drainage-related problem, and severe surface damage that made movement difficult for residents, traders, motorists, and school children. The project, which is being executed with high engineering precision by Pinnatech Engineering Nigeria Limited, covers full drainage correction, base reinforcement, proper resurfacing, and total asphalting of the road.

Findings by this reporter, Izunna Okafor, revealed that the road stretches from Obiarei Compound, through the Well Junction axis, and runs fully down to the Filling Station at Amaezeokafor Junction, cutting across crucial residential, commercial, educational, social, and transportation points within the community. The scale of work already achieved on site shows full compliance with modern construction standards, a development that has lifted the morale of residents and restored economic and social confidence within the area.

The intervention, it was further gathered, is not the first of its kind in Chief Ezenagu’s long record of community-oriented philanthropy. Reports have it that, about three years ago, he personally constructed the first major drainage systems along the same road, even from the foundation level, spanning both sides of the road from beginning to end.

Speaking during an interaction with this reporter, the benefactor, Chief Ezenagu explained that his motivation for executing the project lies in his strong belief that the true meaning and value of wealth is measured by the positive impact he uses it to create in the lives of his people. According to him, God’s grace that enabled him to succeed has placed a responsibility on his shoulders to also uplift his community; and seeing people benefit from such efforts gives him deep personal fulfillment and joy.

He further clarified that although the rehabilitation coincides with the approaching yuletide season, the timing was not influenced by festivities but by seasonal considerations. According to him, major road construction as such can only be most effectively executed during the dry season when rainfall cannot interfere with the construction process. This, he said, informed his decision to commence the project at this period.

Speaking on the spiritual foundation behind his voluntary style of philanthropy, Ezenagu explained that he was neither persuaded nor pressured by any group or individual to carry out the road project. Rather, he disclosed that his inspiration came privately through spiritual conviction, which led him to directly contact a trusted engineer friend who owns a reputable construction company, the Pinnatech Engineering Nig. Ltd., to handle the work. According to him, even members of his own family were unaware of the project at the time he planned and commenced it, as he is not a fan of performing good deeds for public applause.

He traced this lifestyle of quiet and purposeful giving to the grooming he received from his late mentor and spiritual role model, Prophet T.B. Joshua, whose teachings, he said, emphasized that every genuine act of kindness is primarily an investment into one’s eternal life. From that foundation, he said he learned to do good without expecting praise, and to remain grateful to God whether celebrated or ignored.

Giving an overview of the current status of the project, Ezenagu confirmed that full asphalting is actively ongoing along the Obinugwu Road corridor. He explained that the rehabilitation covers the entire stretch from Obiarei Compound through the Well Junction axis and down to Amaezeokafor Junction, assuring that the entire road will be fully asphalted, even as the second phase of the project has also kicked off in full force.

Beyond the physical project, Chief Ezenagu also used the opportunity to speak to youths and young people, cautioning them against the growing “get-rich-quick” mentality that now dominates the mindset of many youths. While stressing that genuine success is built through patience, discipline, hard work, humility, and integrity; he reminded them that wealth acquired through crooked means ultimately destroys its owner and ends in crooked means, while bitterness, grudge bearing, unwarranted vilification, envy, and unhealthy competition only slow down personal progress and hinder one’s destiny from shining.

Fielding questions from the journalist, he also used the opportunity to address the fear that discourages many affluent individuals from investing in their hometowns, especially fears linked to spiritual attacks or so-called “village people.” According to him, true spiritual confidence comes from a deep personal relationship with God, not merely church attendance. He insisted that anyone genuinely walking with God has spiritual protection that fear cannot tamper with, and that fear itself is often a sign of insecurity and weak spiritual grounding. He also testified that his own consistent experiences have reinforced his conviction that faith dispels fear.

Meanwhile, reacting to the development and ongoing road project, the Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma, while speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter over the week in Awka, described Chief Ezenagu’s intervention as a clear embodiment of Governor Soludo’s Think Home (Aku Ruo Ụlọ) philosophy and the Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model of development.

The Commissioner recalled that the just-concluded governorship election witnessed overwhelming statewide support for Governor Soludo, with over 90 percent of polling units reaffirming confidence in the Solution Government. According to him, this overwhelming mandate reflects public trust in the administration’s vision of making Anambra a liveable and prosperous homeland through collective responsibility.

He emphasized that government resources alone are grossly insufficient to handle all development needs across Anambra State, further noting that government revenue represents less than five percent of the state’s overall GDP. This, he said, makes it practically impossible for government to execute all projects alone. He therefore praised individuals like Chief Ezenagu who understand the need for community collaboration and self-driven development.

Commissioner Okoma described the gesture as manifestation of the true spirit of Odogwu, as according to him, the genuine “Odogwu” is not known by flamboyant display of wealth outside one’s state through champagne and other frivolities, but by the visible impact one makes at home through projects or investments, empowerment, skills training, and social infrastructure. According to him, it was in this same spirit that the Soludo Administration introduced initiatives such as the One Youth, Two Skills programme to promote sustainable empowerment across the state; and many of those who rose through it are showing their Odogwu status by also helping and investing in others to rise

When asked about security concerns that might have been discouraging some Ndi Anambra from answering the Think Home call, Commissioner. Okoma proudly assured that Anambra State is now among the safest states in Nigeria. He recalled that although many communities were previously under siege before the emergence of the Solution Government, but sustained security reforms and coordinated operations have since reclaimed all affected areas, and peace have returned.

He cited the mass return in Lilu community in Ihiala as an example of restored confidence, adding that similar homecoming waves are expected this year. He further highlighted the layered security architecture currently protecting the state, including Operation Udo Ga-Achi, Agunechemba, the Police, Army, Navy, DSS, and NSCDC, and others, stressing that heavy investments have been made in security and infrastructure under the Solution Government, hence making Anambra the safest and most attractive place one can think of investing without fear.

On tourism and economic confidence-building, the Commissioner disclosed that initiatives such as the upcoming “Ọnwa Disemba Anambra” have been introduced to encourage festive homecoming. He highlighted the Solution Fun City, the emerging Shopping Mall, and the nearly completed airport lounge as new leisure and commercial attractions in the state; hence urging Ndị Anambra to Think Home without fear.

Speaking on the Soludo administration’s infrastructure achievements, Engr. Okoma revealed that over 900 kilometers of roads are currently under construction, with more than 600 kilometers already asphalted within just 44 months. He added that over 700 kilometers of old roads have been rehabilitated under the zero-pothole programme, alongside the construction of eight bridges.

He further confirmed the completion of the Ekwulobia Flyover, Bus Terminal and Shopping Mall, the Aroma Link Bridge, and the historic jinx-breaking Government House and Governor’s Lodge in Awka now known as the Light House. He described the achievements as unprecedented in Nigeria’s first-term governance records, noting that the administration has executed these projects without borrowing and without owing contractors.

On the Ekwulobia Flyover, the Commissioner explained that although it is already in use, formal commissioning remains a matter of the Governor’s discretion. He dismissed claims that the flyover is too narrow, explaining that its 7.3-meter single carriage design meets standard engineering specifications and adequately serves its traffic purpose.

When asked about the long-standing Ebenator erosion gully, the Commissioner assured that a second phase remains planned but acknowledged that enormous needs across the state coupled with limited resources have slowed progress. He emphasized that the Solution Government operates with fiscal discipline, refusing to borrow heavily, unlike neighboring states.

He also revealed that the state’s budget currently prioritizes capital expenditure at nearly 77 percent, showing government’s strong commitment to infrastructure despite limited revenue.

The Commissioner further reminded Ndi Anambra that development is a shared responsibility, and therefore praised Chief Ezenagu once again for understanding that government alone cannot do everything and consequently intervening in his community’s need.

His words: “Chief Gilbert Ezenagu has shown that everything should not be left for the government, because government cannot do it alone. Like I said earlier, and like Mr. Governor would always say: This is what makes you an ‘Odogwu’. What he’s doing is highly commendable; and Ndị Anambra should emulate it. Think Home and do one or two things that will benefit or impact the lives of your people.”

As yuletide approaches, Engr. Okoma issued a strong warning against the destruction of public infrastructure, including burning tyres on asphalted roads, blocking drainage channels, excavating road surfaces, and erecting illegal concrete speed bumps, hoisting canopy rods on asphalted road. He warned that such activities often weaken and shorten the lifespan of roads and create avoidable repair burdens.

He clarified that government does not approve illegal speed bumps and cautioned motorists not to overs-peed or be carried away by in their enjoyment of the newly constructed roads, stressing that safety must be prioritized.

Earlier also speaking, the President General of Ebenator Development Union, Ambassador Henry Chigozie Anadi, expressed deep appreciation for Chief Ezenagu’s intervention, describing it as timely, encouraging, and highly inspirational to the entire community.

He disclosed that sometime this year, he had a discussions on community needs with Chief Ezenagu, who quietly told him that he already had plans and something in mind he would do for Ebenator this year. According to him, the benefactor later shared the road project contract details with him sometime last month, and he discussed it with him; shortly after which heavy construction equipment fully mobilized to site and work kicked off immediately, confirming the seriousness of the intervention.

The PG revealed that happiness enveloped every corner of Ebenator as work progresses steadily on the road, adding that the project is not the first developmental intervention by Chief Ezenagu. He prayed for divine reward and abundant blessings upon the philanthropist and encouraged other sons and daughters of the community to emulate his example.

When asked about fears of unknown forces, associated with community development, Ambassador Anadi urged Ndị Ebenator to overcome such fear and firmly trust in God, further explaining that no community can develop if everyone runs away or withholds their resources out of fear. According to him, every life and destiny is in God’s hands, not in the hands of human beings.

Answering questions from the reporter, the PG further addressed concerns over some uncompleted projects in the community, including the Ebenator erosion gully, the Ebenator–Ukpor road, and the government hospital. While commending the Soludo-led administration, he disclosed that only 700 meters of the erosion control project was executed out of the proposed 1.7 kilometers, even as efforts are ongoing to re-engage both the state and federal governments for completion.

He also expressed optimism that the remaining section of the Ebenator–Ukpor road would resume in early December, based on assurances received.

Concerning the abandoned government hospital, he confirmed that it was initiated during a short-lived federal legislative tenure of an indigene of the community but was later abandoned after leadership changes. He further expressed optimism that the project will be completed and fully equipped someday for the benefit of Ndị Ebenator and beyond.

He concluded by encouraging all Ebenator sons and daughters at home and in the diaspora to always remember their roots and contribute meaningfully to the development of their ancestral home, adding that nothing makes one proud as the impacts he has made in life and his contributions to the betterment of his society.