By Izuchukwu Adichie
The Champion Newspapers have rightfully nominated Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, for the distinguished “2023 Governor of the Year in Infrastructure and Rural Development” award. It is an undeniable recognition of the governor’s stellar performance in delivering top-quality infrastructure in an incredibly short time without borrowing. Soludo will be honored at the Convention Center of the Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos on Saturday, May 25, making history as the first-ever Anambra State Governor to receive a coveted title of champion in less than two years in office. The annual Champion Newspapers Awards aim to celebrate contributions to nation-building, and Soludo’s accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable.
With an unwavering commitment to urban regeneration, Soludo reformed Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA BRIGADE), Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), the Anambra Road Maintenance Agency (ARMA) and commissioned the establishment of the Anambra Urban Regeneration Council (AURC), agencies against the encroachment of “chaotic squalor” with the state landscape. The regeneration is already taking shape in the transformation of the capital territory of Awka and its environs into a befitting capital city, conversion of the Okpoko slum into a new urban area, regeneration of Nnewi, Onitsha metropolitan and Ekwukobia landscapes. Soludo has overseen the initiation and completion of numerous infrastructure projects across the 21 local governments, even in the most forgotten parts and hard-to-reach areas of the state, including the rehabilitation, operation of zero potholes, and ongoing construction of 500 km of roads, introducing a new and innovative five-stage road construction model, which includes earthwork, sub-base, cement stabilization, laying of stone base, and asphalting. He has completed 247 km of roads, averaging 10 km per month since he assumed office, and has rehabilitated numerous failed portions of federal roads in the state, and awarded the dualization and construction of the Amawbia- Agulu – Nanka – Ekwulobia- Uga Federal Roads, which is a testament to his vision towards infrastructure development.
To add to the aesthetics and beautification, Soludo has implemented tree planting, clean and green Anambra and street gardens, installed benches, established bus stops and bus lay-bys, converted gas-powered street lights to solar-powered street lights, street markings, installed traffic lights, waste bins, and various amenities, which are now part of the overall features enveloping the state.
Additionally, the Solution Fun City project, the biggest water park in West Africa, is progressing well, and the governor has transformed a 20-year-old 8-foot tall Ochanja Roundabout refuse dump into a magnificent water fountain. Soludo is confidently breaking the 32-year age-long jinx of Anambra state, not having a government house and lodge. He is constructing a brand new, state-of-the-art Government House and Governor’s Lodge in the heart of Awka capital city that truly befits the status of the state.
Soludo is also constructing a 17-unit auxiliary housing facility at the commissioners’ quarter, resuscitated an abandoned water scheme, renovated and upgraded three general hospitals across the three senatorial districts – Ekwulobia, Enugwu-Ukwu, and Umueri, and constructing five brand new general hospitals one each at Oromaetiti in Anambra West, Okpoko in Ogbaru, Anaku in Ayamelu, Aguleri Otu in Anambra East, and Fegge in Onitsha South.
The governor’s strategic demolition of illegal and dilapidated structures, distilling of drainages and water channels to ventilate floods, fortified erosion control against environmental challenges, and distribution of over “One Million” economic trees to 110,000 households, declaring compulsory free and quality education to all child born in the state, including the free antenatal care and delivery services earned him a reputation as a compassionate and intentional leader both within and beyond his state.
He introduced pedestrian walkways and cycling routes and constructed pedestrian bridges to ease traffic, including the gigantic Ekwulobia flyover and modern park, to further improve the state’s infrastructure and to decongest age-long traffic menace.
Despite the socio-economic and infrastructural decay he inherited from his predecessors, Soludo has renovated the Anambra State House of Assembly complex, is currently upgrading the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, and laying a 2000 km Fibre optic ducts for high internet speed in the state. He has commenced, completed, and commissioned numerous projects without borrowing a kobo, which has consolidated his reputation as a “Soludo Solution.” His nomination for this prestigious award is well-deserved, and it is no surprise that he has set a new record.
Congratulations, Mr. Governor!
