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By Stella Obi

Anambra indigenes living in Lagos played host over the weekend to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, at a Town Hall Meeting where he presented his scorecard and highlighted achievements across all sectors of the state economy over the past three years.

The event, held at Harbour Point, Lagos, attracted sons and daughters of Anambra origin in large numbers.

The meeting provided Ndi Anambra in Lagos the opportunity to receive firsthand information directly from the Governor about the tangible progress made during his tenure and the roadmap ahead.

During the stakeholder engagement, the Governor highlighted his administration’s performance, promoting accountability and facilitating dialogue by outlining completed projects, ongoing efforts, and future plans for the state.

Addressing Ndi Anambra in Lagos, Prof. Soludo shared his vision of transforming Anambra State into a destination rather than a departure lounge. He called for collective efforts towards the development of the state.

He assured the gathering that his administration remains committed to the prudent management of resources while strategically positioning the state for sustainable growth and development.

The Governor revealed that his administration had spent only 65% of what was expended in 2013 over the past three years and emphasized that his government has not borrowed since taking office.

To make the homeland more attractive, Prof. Soludo outlined several key projects carried out by his administration.

His landmark achievements include the restoration of peace and security through the establishment of the Agunechemba Security outfit and the launch of Operation Udo Ga Chi, alongside other security initiatives.

In terms of road infrastructure and urban renewal, the Governor cited projects such as the Okpoko Road and the award and flag-off of 700 kilometers of roads across the 21 Local Government Areas, with 410 kilometres already set for commissioning.

He also highlighted success stories in erosion control projects, including interventions at Ebenator, Nnobi, Ezi-Oko, Awka, and the Oba and Ozubulu axes of the Onitsha-Owerri Road.

Other major projects mentioned were the construction of a new Government House Complex, five hospitals across the Anambra North Senatorial District, and five urban water schemes located in Awka, Otuocha, Nnewi, Obizi, and Greater Onitsha. He also noted the facilitation of a 1.4 million capacity-per-year private electricity meter manufacturing plant in Oraifite.

Governor Soludo encouraged Ndi Anambra to actively participate in the state’s development through investments, adding that the government is pursuing Free Economic Trade Zone status for the industrial city, with relevant approvals already in progress.

He urged Anambra indigenes to return to the culture of hard work as a path to honest wealth creation, emphasizing the values of enterprise and integrity as essential principles for regaining lost ground.

According to him, Anambra people will not thrive in commerce without embracing the philosophy and ideology that once propelled them forward.

Citing the Igbo apprenticeship programme, which nurtures business skills and provides startup capital, Prof. Soludo described it as a unique business model where a mentor trains future competitors and empowers them to start their own ventures upon graduation.

He lamented that many Anambra youths have abandoned this culture in favor of sudden wealth through cybercrime, rituals, and kidnapping for ransom, while youths from other states are now taking over the apprenticeship system.