Anambra: The Old Ways Are Sloughing Out Rapidly

The place of government in every society is to set the pace and provide policy direction for all to follow; equalize opportunity and ensure inclusivity. In Anambra today, there is a conscious departure from old ways, with the less privileged and vulnerable having greater sense of belonging and finding impetus to dare their odd feeling a sense of collective ownership of the “Project Anambra”. Governance has become a mutually benefiting partnership between the people and the government.

This is what the Soludo administration is doing through mainstreaming ecumenism and the introduction of the Public Community Private Partnership (PCPP) development model. Yesterday, was yet another historic leap towards entrenching the “one Anambra, one people, one agenda” philosophy of the Soludo administration.

The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Anambra Chapter, an umbrella body of Pentecostal Christians in Nigeria, held a twin event. First, was the dedication of the “Jesus Our Physician Specialist Hospital” (JOPH) in the heart of the State capital, then the graduation of 500 young people who had undergone various trainings across different skillsets. This is the PFN’s contribution to the provision of quality and affordable healthcare to the people and investment in the human capital development of the State. The presence of Governor Soludo at both events yesterday was symbolic and a major sledge hammer destruction of religious cleavages and minorities exclusion. For Soludo, a system is as strong as its weakest link. Thus, it is important we leave no one behind if the goal is to build a prosperous Society. These moves are soft, far-reaching and central to the evolution of a truly modern and civilized Society.

In Anambra today, we ask, “what can you do?” Not, “where are you from?” Or “where do you worship”. These are the little things that matter so much.

— Mazi Ejimofor Opara writes from Awka, Anambra State.