WRITTEN BY TIMOTHY IFEDIORANMA
The Christmas celebrations in Anambra in the past three years remain indelible in the memory of Ndi Anambra and‎ many Nigerians who

‎passed through the eastern gateway across the iconic Niger Bridge. Actually, many attested that the experience left them transfixed in awe when they saw the transformation of the once dreaded Upper Iweka axis with beautiful Christmas decorations, amidst pomp and ceremony.
The decorations, which bear testimony to Governor Willie Obiano’s dream of a better and transformed Anambra state, was done to beautify strategic junctions by corporate bodies, including financial institutions and firms, as part of their corporate social responsibility. The sponsors, who have since set up base in Anambra, chose to beautify the state as an affirmation of their support for the governor’s feat of making Anambra safe and secure.
With the breeze of Christmas blowing everywhere, more volunteers are already lining up to take-over and decorate strategic spots across‎ the state to reflect the gaiety and celebratory mood of the Christmas season in Anambra. The unsolicited gesture of support by corporate bodies and individuals is indeed a source of joy and a welcome development in a state which is fast witnessing both physical and psychological revival. 
Even with the pervading economic gloom, Ndi Anambra are already witnessing the season’s beautification‎ to spice up their mood. Some commuters around Upper Iweka said they cannot wait to see the beautiful scenes in other places again and enjoy the fire-works party, while those who missed that of 2016 said they do not wish to be told the story this time around.
Those in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and other major towns and cities have started experiencing the beautification of many roundabouts and junctions within the state. Ndi Awka and Amawbia are already singing Halleluya for the new fly-overs dotting their landscape. Now they are beginning to feel what it means to be the capital like other cities around the world.
Within the government circle, there was initial hesitation fuelled by the governor’s policy of ‘doing more with less.’ But the flurry of requests by sponsors was said to have spurred the setting up of a committee to harness the sponsorships and ensure that there is an even spread of the Christmas décor beyond the major cities of Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha. In fact, communities and individuals are being encouraged to spice-up their environment with Christmas trees and lightings that reflect the occasion.
As another Christmas of fun, dance and revelry in Anambra hits the waves, many who missed last years’ experience are ready to join the party. Many families, relations and friends are gearing up to spend the holiday period in their communities and enjoy the peace of a crime free Christmas.
However, it is important that Ndi Anambra and the visitors alike do not take for granted the peace and security which has made the state one of the safest destinations in Nigeria. People should be on the alert and report any potential criminality or infractions of the law, since eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

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