Recently, Governor Chukwuma Soludo added another free dividends of democracy to the numerous free services enjoyed by Ndị Anambra. Fortunately, it was free basic education in the state.
Truly, since his assumption of office, Governor Soludo has shown commitment to renew the face of governance by giving the masses a new definition of social inclusion. The governor started off with the massive employment of teachers and medical personnel, and youth empowerment and skills acquisition through the “One Youth, Two Skills” Initiative and Solution Innovation District. Today, he has extended this with the introduction of free ante-natal and delivery services for Anambra women in all public hospitals in the state. These steps taken so far by the solution administration are truly innovative ways to lessen the inequality gaps in the society and are expected to offer every Anambra child equal opportunity to success.
At the inception of 2023/2024 academic session, the governor announced free education for pupils from nursery to primary six and for students in Junior Secondary School class one to three in all the public schools in the state. For those in senior secondary schools, the Governor promised that they will not pay any dues that is cumulatively more than five thousand naira. He also promised immediate commencement of infrastructure upgrade in all the public schools. Commendably, this policy is coming at a time when it is needed the most. Following the removal of subsidy on petroleum motor spirit, PMS, by the Federal Government and its consequential impact on the economy of the country, one could only but imagine how parents would have coped to pay school fees and other levies in the new session. This is also in consideration to the fact that there are just but few states where true free education is enjoyed in the country.
One very remarkable thing about these free service programmes provided in the key sectors of the state is that the state government has provided phone lines for citizens
to report the implementation and their assessment of the qualities of the services being rendered to them. Also, these programmes have not stopped the state government from embarking on necessary infrastructure projects across the state.
By this, the Governor has taken a bold step to make education and health care accessible to every Anambra child and every onye Anambra no matter their socio-economic background. This will make it possible to attain Universal Health coverage faster and will help to remove financial barriers to education. Through the free education policy, Governor Soludo has elevated our public schools as destinations for quality education.
By investing in education and health care, the Soludo government is investing massively in a sustainable future for the state. Ndị Anambra are enjoined to access these services provided by the government to improve their standard of living. Thus, there are no excuses today to engage in self medication or visit untrained birth attendants as you can now access quality health care free, ante-natal and delivery services in all public hospitals and health centres in the state. Also, there is no more any good reason not to enroll your children or wards in school because basic education is now free in Anambra State.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has shown capacity, compassion and credibility to alleviate the sufferings of the poor masses. We should, therefore, support and pray for him to continue to provide solutions to the many challenges still facing the state.
Written by WILFRED OBIOTIKA
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