It is not in doubt that Anambra stands out today as a shining example in the maintenance and sustainability of security, peace and tranquility in Nigeria.

Hitherto, Anambra State, like other states in Nigeria, was in disarray and in a state of anomie. It suffered nefarious activities of criminals and violence of hoodlums such as kidnapping, armed robbery, bank attacks etcetera. In those days, hoodlums and miscreants were everywhere in the state. They even wrote letters in advance to prospective victims that they were coming. Places like Bridge Head, Upper Iweka flyover axis, Awka, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Aguata were major targets.

The gangs of criminals operated both in the day time and at night under the cover of darkness. There was also spike in ritual killings, marauding, arson, touting, extra judicial killings, labour unrest, corruption and other crimes which adversely affected socio-economic life of the State.

However, there was turn around when Governor Willie Obiano came on board. From inception, Obiano’s administration placed high premium on security of lives and property to promote good governance and entrench stability to ensure development. The great effort at tackling insecurity yielded the desired results as the State changed from being known for lawlessness to an oasis of peace and a destination for investors.

Today, Anambra is the safest state in Nigeria. The Obiano administration has strengthened security through light up Anambra Scheme, brought a great transformation in the hubs of economic and commercial axis and helps to discourage crimes that usually fester under the cover of darkness. The Security Architecture and infrastructure in the state is beyond comparison and the best in Nigeria to date.

The State Government has helped in equipping all security agencies with necessary logistics and incentives to perform their jobs judiciously. Even Anambra Vigilance Service (AVS) was not left behind. This is in a bid to prioritize security of lives and properties of Ndi Anambra.

Again, the beauty of the magnificent flyovers and dazzling flower light between the Amawbia-Amansea stretches of the Enugu-Onitsha express way is a wonder to behold as it helps in giving Awka a befitting status. Same with the street lights across all the towns and villages in the state. Indeed, Anambra State has set a pace for other states and has become a model to the nation at large.

Since the inception of Obiano’s administration, Ndi Anambra could boost of sustained interventions from his administration including equipping and mobilizing security agencies which brought about elimination of armed robbery, kidnapping, and other crimes such as pick pocketing and so on.

Indeed, Governor Willie Obiano’s administration has made Anambra habitable again through provision of Security infrastructure. During festive periods, Governor Obiano makes provisions for helicopters to monitor criminal activities in the state. Today, Ndi Anambra in the Diaspora can comfortably come home for Christmas celebration and New Year without fear or apprehension for their safety.

No doubt, the Obiano administration deserves commendation in its relentless efforts to raise quality of life of the people and its determination to retain Anambra as the safest state in Nigeria as well as the state with the best business friendly environment.

Akpokudike is indeed a source of inspiration to ndi Anambra and beyond. The Obiano administration has in the past six years made a strong statement in promoting security. His giant strides in making the state the safest and most business friendly state in Nigeria is worthy of emulation. Ndi Anambra should endeavor to come home this yuletide, after all, there is no place like home. Indeed, Anambra has lived up-to to its name as the light of the nation.

CHINMA ENEM