There is no doubt that Anambra at 30 is, today, an envy of other climes in good governance. Be it by economic principles, common sense and supernatural insight or better still, a combination of all, it has become unquestionable, almost sacrosanct that Anambra has improved tremendously in community and infrastructural development.

When Governor Willie Obiano was sworn-in, he propounded four pillars of development, hinged on Agriculture, Industrialization, Security, Oil and Gas. As a proactive visionary leader, Obiano visualized that Anambra would become the first choice investment destination and a hub for industrialization and commercial activities. Today, the policies have yielded the desired results, driven by the passion of a leader, desirous of making positive impacts and leaving great legacies.

Consequently, three world class flyovers sprang up in three popular areas on the Onitsha–Enugu expressway, dazzling with street lights; the first of its kind in the South East. The flyovers symbolically represent the torch-bearing status of Anambra as the light of the nation.

More satisfactory, however, is the trend that has been set and maintained in the hinter areas of the state. The multi-dimensional strides of the Obiano`s administration has necessitated a solid inter-connectivity of roads to create a network between the rural communities and the urban areas.

In agriculture, for instance, the transportation of farm produce from farms in rural areas to urban markets is aided by good roads and strong bridges. To effectively aid the smooth flow of the increasing daily movement in agriculture as well as petroleum, commerce and industry, education, rural electrification and others, Sir Willie’s administration is constructing roads and bridges in rural communities all over the state. Striking, however, is the bridge connecting the rest of the state to the oil fields at Aguleri-otu.

Arguably, the longest bridge in the South-East, the bridge also connects Anambra to Kogi state and links up Abuja and the northern parts of the country easily. The same can be said of Nengo bridge, Nteje; Iseke – Mbosi – Azia road; SARS Awkuzu – Achalla road; Nteje – Nando road with bridge; Ogbu – Mgbede – Umueri road; St. Monica’s road, Ogbunike; Onne – Ogboji – Achina road; NAUTH Nnewi road; Isuaniocha – Urum – Amanuke – Achalla road with bridge; Enugwu Ukwu by-pass road, Abatete-Oraukwu-Alor bypass and many others.

Anambra Road Maintenance Agency has been re-energized, equipped and mandated to embark of efficient and radical rehabilitation of dilapidated roads across the state, once the rains subside

In this period of national distress, Governor Obiano rejected bailout funds from Federal Government and refused to borrow from any external source, yet he is embarking on major capital intensive legacy projects such as International Cargo and Passenger Airport; International Conference Centre and FIFA-Standard Sports Stadium. Obiano’s prudence, auditory and accounting expertise is showing forth. Hence, Anambra is the least indebted in Nigeria, according to NBS.

 In dire circumstances, the Governor launched the N20m community-choose-your-project initiative. Each of the 181 communities in the state, annually receives N20m to fund any project of their choice. By so doing, employment is created, food vendors sell, artisans are busy, those trading in building materials are patronized, architects, civil engineers and several others are positively engaged.

Hence, all the communities in Anambra can, today, boast of modern markets, libraries, water schemes, health centers, refurbished hospitals, town halls, skill acquisition centers etc, all built by their own hands, with funds from government.

Sir Willie’s security architecture is water tight, his education system is excellent, street lights glimmer everywhere with light-up initiative, while electricity supply has improved tremendously. Last week, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo commissioned the Agu Awka Injection Sub Station that will boost power supply in the state. Prof Osinbajo had earlier commissioned the digital Shoemaking Facility at Ogbunike, where he declared that Anambra is one of the fasted growing manufacturing hubs in Nigeria. He commended the Obiano administration, saying that business men and women had enjoyed conducive environment in the state.

Following the commissioning, very soon, apart from exporting vegetables and other agricultural products, Anambra will equally be exporting shoes and sandals as the products made with the digital leather and shoe equipment will now look like ones made in Europe and elsewhere.

There is no doubt that the electricity project and leather/shoes equipment commissioned have given the industrialization pillar of the Obiano regime a firm root. Governor Obiano’s governance style and managerial skills have set him apart as both quintessential and visionary. What Ndi Anambra desire now is the sustenance of the current tempo of development. And for sure, the cap fits Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

WRITTEN BY DR. NNAMDI NWADIOGBU

No related posts.