By every standard, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is a jinx breaker. He realizes from the inception of his administration in Anambra state that the only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible. So, one of the first things he did after his swearing-in was to visit some of the neglected areas his predecessors never dared to visit including Okpoko and its suburbs.
As if that was not enough, Professor Soludo started the reinvigoration of our school system with the employment of energetic and qualified teachers. Then was followed with the declaration of comprehensive free education from kindergarten to secondary school level.
The Governor has equally placed plans in motion to remodel and modernize the school infrastructure in Anambra state so that our children would find the learning environment friendly and pleasurable. These policies of the Soludo administration have resulted in the swollen population of public schools in the state unlike before when parents preferred private schools for their wards.
Still on education, as a Professor, Soludo paid a working visit to the state owned university, the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), where he donated two 56-seater buses to the students of the prestigious citadel of learning. Suffice it to say that Odenigbo is the first Governor in Eastern Nigeria to appoint a female Vice Chancellor into a state government owned university. She is Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha.
He also empowered thousands of youths through the “One Youth, Two Skills” Solution Initiative. With this juicy strategy, thousands of our boys and girls have not just been pulled out of the congested labour and crime market, but have been made entrepreneurs and employers of labour.
On roads, Professor Soludo equally dared where others dreaded. Charlie Nwa Mgbafor has broken the jinx in road construction in Anambra state. Work is currently going on in many virgin roads across the three senatorial zones in the state. For instance, about eight virgin internal roads are going on simultaneously in Awka and Amawbia; Ekwulobia fly over is the handiwork of Mr Governor. Others are Awkuzu-Umunya road; Amansea-Ebenebe-Ugbene-Ugbenu-Awba-Ofemili road; Ufuma-Awa-Ndiukwuenu-Ndikpa-Amansea road and so many others too numerous to mention.
Furthermore, another history was made recently when a sitting Governor, for the very first time, visited Olumbanasa in Anambra West Local Government Area, hitherto categorized as one of the unreachable areas of the State. No doubt, Odenigbo dared where others dodged.
Mr Governor has so far demonstrated uncommon courage and unprecedented hands-on leadership. He has clearly shown through these rare ventures that he is the governor of everybody and not just those whose locations can be conveniently accessed through well-paved roads. He has spoken through his actions that he really cares about everybody inhabiting every inch of space on Anambra State soil, no matter how far-flung their place may be. Soludo has proven to the world that he is indeed the voice of the voiceless and the standard-bearer of a forgotten people.
The voyage of Soludo to Olumbanasaa on the banks of River Niger, lasted for over one hour on a speed boat. Aside from motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke), there are no other means of transportation in Olumbanasa, except on foot and boat, which the governor used.
It is important to note that Governor Soludo’s visit to Olumbanasa and the many jinxes he has broken are not flukes. Right from when he was campaigning for office, he showed genuine empathy for the neglected areas of Anambra State. The Governor’s voyage to Olumbanasa and many other things he has done in so short a time, which others hitherto dreaded, are signs of hope to other communities and groups that have been categorized as the so-called “unreachable” areas. They can now afford to be optimistic that they too could one day play host to the number one citizen of Anambra State – the man who has pledged to bring about, not only physical and attitudinal disruptive change, but also non-discriminatory governance in the true spirit of “onye aghana nwanneya”.
Surely, if someone seriously wants to be part of your life, he will seriously make efforts to be in it. No reasons. No excuses.
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