Awka, at the creation of Anambra State in 1991, was dreamt to be a capital city to be reckoned with, a centre of attraction, a cynosure of all eyes, and a home of prosperity for the people of the new state. Regrettably, twenty-three years after, the city remained a squalor and, in the words of many, a “glorified village” until the emergence of Governor Willie Obiano in 2014.

Infrastructural projects sited within the city were at best, reactionary and had no resemblance of intentional planning targeted towards the fulfillment of the dream of a megacity. But, Governor Willie Obiano changed the narrative.

At the inception of his government on March 17, 2014, he commissioned the construction of the three gigantic flyovers in Awka and Amawbia. As the flyover projects were in place, the Governor sent an Executive Bill to the state Assembly for the creation of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA, – a one-stop shop that would plan and execute a smart megacity that will not only make the residents proud but also attract investors to site multimillion dollar projects in the Capital City.

Another strategic bill sent to the House of Assembly was a bill to establish the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, ANSIPPA. The vision was clear that as one bill provides a structure for the strategic development of the city and its environment, the other would serve as a support that attracts investments into the state. It also promotes the capital city as destination for direct foreign and local investments.

Today, eight years later, several investors have seen this green light and made Awka their home. From hugely promoted real estate investors, malls, entertainment and hospitality homes and hotels were built by private investors in the Capital City within the past eight years. The Governor had set in motion an investor friendly climate that encourages Ndị Anambra not just to think home, but to think Awka. Massive job opportunities have also been created which have positively affected other supporting markets and boosted small scale entrepreneurs.

Governor Obiano’s magic wand in security in the state also rubbed off well on Awka the Capital City. Awka, where residents previously crawled into their homes in fear of the unknown became a 24-hour economy. The city became boisterous with night life. The street light project implemented by the Obiano administration kicked darkness away from the city.

The confidence of the people returned as they drove around the city and conducted their businesses without restriction in time. The Nigerian Police Force, which the governor provided with modern security gadgets, patrol vehicles and logistics, mounted strategic points in the city to provide needed security and boost the confidence of the residents.

Major roads were either constructed or reconstructed with adequate road infrastructure and beautification, while several junctions and roundabouts received face-lift. Most public places were beautified.

The new Awka City Stadium became a reality; a dream that had become a mirage to residents and sports lovers manifested under the leadership of Governor Obiano. Built with a pitch that is FIFA rated, Awka would soon become a hub for budding sports talents.

As a man who understands the importance of finishing strong, Governor Obiano, on Wednesday last week commissioned the Anambra International Convention Center, a thirteen thousand sitting capacity multipurpose center, hich will soon become the attraction of tourists and entertainers who will come into the state for different conferences and projects.

Governor Obiano’s commitment to building a smart mega Capital City cannot be compared. His determination can be signaled in different projects that cannot be counted and the new Awka is now witnessed from a breathtaking aerial perspective. We can only say, Akpokuedike Global, Ndewooo!

We are also more optimistic that when Professor Chukwuma Soludo, a renowned economist and development expert, mounts the saddle of governance in the state on March 17, 2022,  he will continue with the trajectory to fully birth Awka into a liveable, prosperous Capital City.

WRITTEN BY LEO NWUBA

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