Anambra Is Running On A Plan!

Anambra is running on a plan after many years of “guess work”, haphazardness and, if you like, an individualistic philosophy of “do as you like”. In 2019, Gov. Obiano convened a committee of respected persons Chaired by Prof. Soludo, to craft a 50year development plan for the State. This was his strategic response to end the “me, myself and I” syndrome where people come to power and end up executing advise from “mad men”.

The Anambra 50 year development plan is a strategic document whose vision is to turn Anambra into a prosperous and liveable Smart Megacity. Soludo is the man shaping the foundations of this vision and his immediate mandate is to transform Anambra from a Departure Lounge to a destination. To actualize this there are key fundamentals that must be put in place in the aspect of Urban regeneration, environmental sustainability, social development and economic transformation at a scale never-before-seen.

On Urban Regeneration, Okpoko stands as a shining example with Onitsha following suit in quick succession. The creation of the brand new Ekwulobia and remodeling of Awka into a befitting State Capital are examples Soludo’s fiercest critics cannot wish away. It is not unusual to take these for granted especially by people who never believed it was possible within the period it was achieved.

Let me not mention the totally free education in all Anambra public primary and secondary schools; the free antenatal and delivery for all pregnant women in the State. Restoration of public water supply; recruitment of 8,115 qualified Teachers, 2000 health workers, including Doctors and Nurses; revitalization of Primary Healthcare Centres earning Anambra a total of $1.2million in awards as both National and Regional champions in primary healthcare.

Soludo’s Anambra Mixed Use Industrial City (AMIC) in Ogboji, the Oba Pharmaceutical Wholesale Coordination Center; the 10 storey Marriot hotel, and the Anambra rail Masterplan are not mere wishes but intentional investments that will serve the people without any vicarious benefit to a Soludo under any pretext.

Soludo is bullish when it comes to providing transformative leadership. There will certainly come a time when Anambra’s history shall be divided into two distinct epochs — Before and After Soludo!

Anambra is on the rise!

— Mazi Ejimofor Opara, PhD writes from Awka.