There has always been something striking about Anambra. It’s probably not the “spirituality” of the nomenclature. Perhaps it’s about the over twelve million population boldly flying the colours of the State, or something scarcely unrevealing, yet. But, there’s definitely something stand-out about Anambra. On August 27, 1991, when the present Anambra State was created alongside other new eight states, under the then-Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd), the vibe was intermittent: First, there were the usual cheers of independence, in whatever sense one might have to visualize it. Then, there were the expectations and anxieties about the fertility of a new seed: Anambra State.
Thirty-one years after, those early anxieties and fears seem to have been moulded into successes and historical collections. Anambra State, as we know it, began its journey to stardom on burdening circumstances, perhaps like most states in Nigeria. However, in the end, the State in the heart of South East Nigeria rose better, faster and stronger than its contemporaries. From the military interruptions to the orchestrated political turmoils that besieged the State in the early 2000s. Anambra State has remained stubborn, immune to setbacks, and like her people, defied stumbles and emerged glorious. Anambra is, unarguably, a home of stoics and pacesetters. A land of firsts: Zik of Africa, Professor Chinua Achebe, Cyprian Ekwensi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Professors Chike Obi, Kenneth Dike, Akachi Adimora-Ezigbo, Dr. Philip Emeagwali, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Akwaeke Nwafor Orizu, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Senator Chuba Okadigbo, Chief Louis Ojukwu, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Major General Alex Madiebo, Francis Cardinal Arinze, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke, Chief Osita Osadebe, Oliver De Coque, Professor Chinyere Stella Okunna, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Jerome Udoji, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Ken Erics, Theresa Onuorah, Chinedu Okoli “Flavour”, Paul and Peter Okoye “P-Square”, Pete Edochie, Chidi Mokeme, Comas Maduka, Godwin Okeke, Allen Onyema, Anthony Obiagboso Enukeme, among numerous others.
Early political administrations in Anambra State did not comprehensively paint a picture of today’s milestones. However, they carved a path and lent space for what would later become the light of the nation. From Navy Captain (later Commodore) Joseph Abulu who served as the first Military Administrator of the State from 27 August 1991 to 1 January 1992, Dr Chukwuemeka who succeeded him (January 2, 1992, to November 17, 1993), AIG Dabo Aliyu (rtd), (November to December 1993), Colonel Mike Attah (rtd), ( December 9, 1993, to August 21, 1996), Group Captain Rufai Garba (rtd), (December 21, 1996, to August 6, 1998), and Wing Commander Emmanuel Ukaegbu (rtd), who served from August 6, 1998 to May, 29, 1999, when democracy finally took the baton from military administration in Nigeria.
As time rode by, these political occupations in Anambra State gradually began to form a face; a semi-deliberate transitional sequence that has brought us this far. From Dr Chinwoke Mbadinuju’s high-low times to Dr Chris Ngige’s historical defiance. Mr Peter Obi’s breakthroughs to Chief Willie Obiano’s master class. And, now, Professor Chukwuma Soludo’s renaissance. The permutations were in fine streamline; like growing torrents of success after success. Each man with his unique dream, vision and master plan. Thirty-one years after, Anambra State has raised the bar in commerce, agriculture, education, health, sports, technology and politics. Leading Nigeria and the African continent in all spheres of global excellence. Mistake it not with the State being the eight with the largest population density in Nigeria. No. Anambra’s can-do spirits continue to form the template for global discourse on success.
Anambra State boasts an abundance of human resources. Anambra professionals abroad are making sterling accomplishments and winning laurels for their home state. Coincidentally, The Light of the Nation is turning thirty-one at a time when the new administration led by Professor Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, is leaving no stone unturned in the movement to remodel the State. The “One Anambra, One People, One Agenda” ideology, supported by an egalitarian development plan hinged on the vision of a “Smart Mega City”, that would eventually birth a “Livable and Prosperous Homeland for all” is a carefully planned long-term growth model that will revolutionize all facets of development in the State.
The development revolution in Onitsha, one of the oldest and largest metropolises in sub-Saharan Africa is unmistakable. At 31, one would expect Onitsha to have grown into a large commerce base for not just the entire South Eastern region, but Nigeria and indeed Africa. The vintage city once reflected the Anambra and Igbo pride, with the Onitsha Main Market, the pride of the River Niger, once taking a long-held spot as the biggest of its kind in West Africa. That relishing glory must return. Yet, Anambra at 31 is a story of pride. Of a people that have conquered essence and time. Of the pride of the Igbo race. The home of stars and galaxies. Light of the Nation!
WRITTEN BY DANIEL EZEIGWE
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