As Anambra State marks thirty one years of its creation, some stakeholders have expressed their minds on the gains and challenges of the journey so far.
According to the people, a lot had been achieved in all the sectors of the economy, but more realistic steps need to be taken by the government of Professor Chukwuma Soludo especially in the area of infrastructure, especially road.
Anambra State was one of the nine states created on August 27th 1991 by General Ibrahim Babangida with the aim of spreading economic development and easy administration .
Thirty one years after , the people say Anambra has done well when compared with other states like Abia, Adamawa, Delta, Jigawa, Kebbi, Kogi, and Taraba which came into existence the same time.
Apart from natural resources including tourist sites like Ogbnunike cave, Igbo- Ukwu bronze and Agulu lake , it is also blessed with human resources.
Some of the notable names include Doctor Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Philip Emeagwali, Chimamanda Adichie, Chinua Achebe, Frances Cardinal Arinze, Doctor Alex Ekwueme.
Others are Dim Chukwhemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Chuba Okadigbo, Cyprian Ekwensi, Professor Chukwuma Soludu Chike Obi and Presidential hopeful, Mr Peter Obi.
One of the stakeholders and political activist, Mr Valentine Ozigbo noted that Anambra when compared with other birthday mates , no doubt has done so well in terms of producing quality leaders who have made their marks in the overall development of the area.
Mr Ozigbo, however, said though zoning formula was a welcome development in the area,there was the need to consider competency which would bring about equity , fairness , justice in the governance of the state and by extension the country at large.
” Anambra has indeed achieved a lot in governance.
When you compare the governors Anambra have had with other states , you will be proud of what the state have achieved. Not just in the area of politics but I am excited seeing that we are making great adventure in all the other areas. From Health to Education, Business, Industry, Sports.”
A Health expert, Doctor Chioma Ezenyimulu said at thirty one, the state has done well in the area of meeting up with the healthcare needs of the people especially with the establishment of the Anambra state Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Doctor Ezenyimulu while commending steps so far taken by the Professor Chukwuma Soludo administration, harped on the need for recruitment of health workers who would replace the aged ones retiring from active service.
An Industrialist, Doctor Godwin Okafor while commending the founding fathers of the state called on the people to embrace government policies and programmes which according to him , are aimed at advancing the developmental course of the state.
A community leader, Comrade Obi Ochije while expressing the hope that the present administration of Professor Chukwuma Soludo will improve on the strides of founding fathers however regretted that Awka has not received the infrastructural facelift it deserves as a state capital.
Other respondents while commending the strides so far made by the state at thirty one however expressed hope that there was room for improvement especially in the areas of Health, Education, Power supply and Infrastructural development.
/UC
