Governor Willie Obiano is a man of history. Thus, he made a passionate statement at the Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square the day he was sworn-in as governor of Anambra state. He said, “History will be kind to me for I intend to write it”. Today, even a blind man can notice that Obiano has written a fascinating piece of history for himself and Ndi Anambra. He has changed both the landscape and the mindscape of the state with his compelling vision. And now the outlines of Akpokuedike’s renascent Anambra have emerged from the canvass.

Until the Obiano administration came on board, not much in terms of development was seen in Awka. Awka was so barren of growth that it almost became a byword for stagnation and underdevelopment. State capitals created alongside it took time to develop while it stalled.

The unfortunate and avoidable mayhem in 2003 helped to worsen the situation. The large scale destruction and burning of government property by the then party dissidents, including the  ABS complex, ANSIEC office, Judiciary complex, Ikenga Hotel, Awka and State house explained away the poor condition of Awka.

However, nothing lasts forever. The problems have gradually eased off. The decisiveness of the Obiano government in handling the situation has ensured gradual, but steady development of what should be one of Nigeria’s foremost state capitals.

A free and peaceful society is a precursor for economic development. A society is as free as the degree of freedom it enjoys in public safety. No meaningful and sustainable economic progress can be recorded in a volatile atmosphere, plagued by fear, rancor, bickering and uncertainty. Governor Obiano understood these and he made peace his foundation for the Anambra of his dream. The results have been impressive.

The crowning glory of the Obiano years, apart from the Anambra International Airport, Umueri, is the imposing three flyovers in Awka capital territory, the inner roads, the new estates, the Awka Stadium and the 10,000 sitting capacity International Conference Center, all in Awka. The icing on the cake is lightening up the entire capital city through installation of streets lights

These are audacious legacy projects that have given Awka and Anambra a sturdy foot into the future.

For instance, the multi-purpose international conference centre, which is nearing completion, is designed to serve as Anambra’s main center for conferences and conventions, both local and international. When completed, it is projected to draw international recognition to the state.

Only rational thinkers and proactive progressives like Obiano would reason that if you have the largest retail market in West Africa and an international airport, no sane mind could doubt the economic import of hosting major conferences in Anambra State.  And for you to host the world, you need a world class facility; an International Conference Center. And if you build a 10,000-capacity gigantic structure as Conference Center, how will the world access it if you don’t have an airport?

Suffice it to say that sooner than later, Awka, nay Anambra will start hosting major international conferences of multi-national agencies and large professional bodies such as the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigeria Union of Journalists and the rest. The economic import of hosting such major conferences in Anambra State can only be imagined.

Above all, the International Conference Centre design is of ultra- modern international standard. It will house all the facilities and equipment necessary for international conferences and also, would be capable of catering for many functions, such as indoor sports, civic symposiums and a variety of outdoor events.

The facility also has sub–dividable grand auditorium and ballroom that can double as a mini–stadium, an exhibition hall, meeting rooms, green room, storage spaces, and restrooms among others. Also, within the exhibition hall will be a workshop or seminar area for professionals that will be used periodically, no matter the time or season of the year.

Exterior of the building is designed in such a way that it can comfortably be used at any time to host outdoor events and activities, with a parking space that can accommodate about one thousand, five hundred cars. The projected manicured greenery environment, which showcases longevity, sustainability and flexibility, will also be a site to behold when completed.

All we can say is, may God continue to bless Obiano for all these.

WRITTEN BY DR. NNAMDI NWDIOGBU

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