Okpoko is one of the earliest communities in Anambra State with large population of settlers from different parts of Igbo land and Nigeria at large.
It sits on the east bank of the River Niger, just north of the larger city of Onitsha.
Okpoko as a slum, is majorly characterized by poor shelter, intolerable urban housing conditions, physical environmental conditions, unsafe buildings, overpopulation, inadequate basic facilities, among other shortcomings.
Past administrations in the State tried in one way or the other to address challenges faced by residents of Okpoko, but their efforts yielded little result.
But before his assumption of office as Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo declared in different fora that he would begin his official engagement in Okpoko slum after swearing-in.
Correspondent, Oggorchukwu Oranu who visited Okpoko community to feel the pulse of residents reports that a visit to the area leaves much to be desired, as almost all roads therein are in deplorable conditions and most unmotorable.
The foul smell emanating from the surroundings speaks volume of the poor sanitary condition of residents, while almost all the streets and drainages are dump sites.
Other findings include overpopulated small houses, lack of adequate living space and public services, some buildings located on hazardous land, among others.
However, when residents of Okpoko got wind of reason for ABS visit to the community, it was jubilation all through from Igwe’s palace at Muofunanya Street down to all the streets, where residents, including children filled the streets, visibly happy that a new thing is about to happen to a community seen as forgotten.
For Igwe Benjamin Mofunanya, it was a prayer answered as they expect the new administration of Professor Soludo to address bad condition of roads in Okpoko, especially the major roads, equip health centres, improve structures of both secondary and primary schools in the community, give employment and appointment to their youths, among others, noting that Okpoko has more than one point five million settlers.
Lending his voice, the President General of Okpoko community, Chief Francis Enemuo expressed happiness with the visit, noting that Professor Soludo had sent delegates to the community and that they are waiting eagerly to receive him.
He reminded those nursing fear that buildings will be demolished in the area, thus rendering them homeless, that government does not have interest in demolishing buildings because according to him, Okpoko has already been surveyed in I991/1992, even as he expressed hope that the new administration of Professor Soludo will give them standard general hospital to take care of their health needs, tackle erosion threatening the community, build special market for petty traders, among others.
On their parts, a youth leader, Mr. Jerry Achike and another youth, Comrade Onyeka Nwachukwu disclosed that they have started rallying youths of Okpoko to support the new administration, which they noted have indicated interest in their affairs, believing that the issue of youth unemployment will be addressed by Governor Soludo.
For the women, including Mrs Justina Okafor and Victoria Anachuna, Governor Soludo’s visit, it is a prayer answered and good initiative, maintaining that they will keep praying for him.
Recall that the deplorable state of Okpoko caught the attention of Professor Soludo in 2010 during his electioneering tour of Onitsha and its environs.
The conversation he had with a young boy who asked him for money left an impression on Professor Soludo, who gave the kid some money, but promised him that he will do his best, if elected Governor, to give him and other residents of Okpoko a better life.
Eleven years after, Professor Soludo, after winning the November sixth Anambra governorship election, is poised to uplift Okpoko slum for the better.
Against all odds, Okpoko dwellers have developed strategy for survival, but expectations are high as Governor Soludo mounts the mantle of leadership in the State.
Comments are closed for this post.