With the brilliant performance of the present administration in Anambra, led by Governor Willie Obiano, there is no doubt that the state on the move to greatness. And with the coming of new administration in the next quarter of next year, Ndi would want some more.

Notably, Ndi Anambra State are widely known for their determination and great love for entrepreneurship. The people often move to other states of Nigeria and every region of the world. Wherever they live, their hard work, humility and entrepreneurial spirit make them stand out in all their activities. That is why Anambra State has the sobriquet: “Light of the Nation”.

The popular fact about Anambra is that it is the most densely populated and one of the most developed states in Nigeria. Over 65% of the populations are living in the cities, which makes it one of the most urbanized places in Nigeria; hence the urgent need to make it a one-city state.

Places like Onitsha, Awka, and Nnewi have to be decongested to give the people living in those areas a new lease of life. Awka, for example, is bottled up when it is raining and during the morning and evening periods, with traffic jams. The incoming administration should focus its attention to the opening up of new layouts with “sites and services” to ignite the entrepreneurial spirits of the people towards fast racking the development of the layouts; while intra city roads especially in the estates, are given remedial actions.

Areas such as Awka North, other remote parts of Awka South, including Isiagu, Mbaukwu, Amansea, Umuawulu, Umuokpu and some parts of Njikoka like Enugwu-Ukwu, Nawfia, Enugu-Agidi, Abagana as well as Ukpo, Ukwulu and Nawgu in Dunukofia Areas, within thirty kilometer radius, are possible places to open up and dotted with high-risers, in-order to make Awka a modern state capital, which Akpokuedike has started.

Onitsha will have to be collapsed into Anambra East and West, with Umudioka, Umunachi and Ifitedunu and Awkuzu, Nteje, forming part of Onitsha enclaves. Ayamelum, Ogbaru, Orumba South and North should be mapped out for agricultural revolution, with 60% of youth employment targeted; in addition to the creation of one thousand youth millionaires every year as envisioned in the incoming administration’s manifesto.

Obiano gave livestock farmers adequate incentives for massive rearing of indigenous cows, goats and chickens. This should be enhanced as they are more nutritious.

Though the extractive industry is in the exclusive list, the state will have to sign a memorandum of understanding with the federal government to explore and extract the rich mineral potentials of the state, such as iron ore, fine clay, marble and silica, zinc, bauxite, ceramics, kaolin etc., to support industries and as a way of reducing over dependence on oil.

Nnewi, Ihiala and Ekwusigo should be designated the industrial hub of the state; which requires tripartite involvement of the state government, the private sector and the international community to make those areas the China and Japan of Nigeria. A memorandum of understanding has to be signed between China and Anambra State Government for rapid industrialization of the state.

With the proper utilization of iron ore deposits in the state, Anambra will replicate the exploits of China in that direction and automobile industries and the like, will have steady raw materials for their operations.

As a one city state, intercity rail transport service is imperative to enable workers and traders alike commute from one part of the state to the other in matter of minutes; and as a way of circumventing traffic jam in some major cities of the state. To this, China is also a competent ally.

On revenue generation, flagrance display of wealth must be exploited as a revenue window by the government. Expensive burial ceremonies, marriages, chieftaincy titles, as well as those with more than two cars in a family and expensive cars and even jets, must be heavily taxed. Landlords, who receive rents from their tenants, must also pay taxes to government.

The expectations of the people of the state on the incoming administration are high that only the government cannot effectively satisfy, without the joint efforts of stake holders like the people, private sector, churches and the international community, in building a dream Anambra State.

WRITTEN BY FIDELIS NWAKWESILI

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