Soludo: Anambra is on the rise, development indices looking good

Chukwuma Soludo, governor of Anambra, says the state is on an upward trajectory.

In a speech to commemorate the state’s 33rd anniversary, Soludo said Anambra is doing well on the education, urbanisation, sports and economic empowerment fronts.

“On the 27th of August, 1991, the current Anambra state was created out of the old Anambra and today, as we celebrate the 33rd anniversary of its existence, I want to use this opportunity to felicitate with ndị Anambra all over the world, those at home and in the diaspora,” he said.

“Anambra state was created out of an aspiration that resembles the vision and the mission of the current administration to create a liveable and prosperous homeland. Thirty-three years on, it is safe to say that Anambra is truly on the rise.

“Anambra today ranks among the top six largest economy, among the thirty-six states. Anambra state, obviously in terms of poverty indicators, ranks as one of the lowest in Nigeria.

“About 65-70 per cent of Anambra state is largely urbanized with four major cities subsisting, and one of them housing the largest industrial and commercial hub and, as they say, the largest market in West Africa.

“And so, Anambra today, be it in the social sector, economically, sports-wise, etc, has been rising as a major lead. If you take in the social sector; in education, Anambra is certainly rated as one of the best.

“Our students are representing Nigeria all over the world, winning all the laurels and certainly always in the first three secondary school performances.

“Today, due to our free education programme in public schools in Anambra, the state currently ranks as number one in terms of having the lowest out of school children.

“If you take in terms of technology and innovation, infrastructure revolution, and rural transformation, we are number one. In the area of health, we are second only to Lagos in terms of having the smallest infant mortality rate in the country, and so on and so forth.”

The governor added that the dreams of the founding fathers of Anambra to create “a land of opportunity and prosperity” are being fulfilled.

“The state of our State is very strong indeed and all ndị Anambra wherever you may be, despite whatever may be the challenges, everybody has cause to be proud of our homeland- Anambra state,” he added.

“We use this opportunity as well to celebrate our today and our future, celebrate our children and youths who happen to be our bridge to the future, for the wonderful work that they are doing in schools, excelling in Anambra and all over the world.

“Recently, much of Nigeria was enveloped in protest, and so on, but our youths did what we are known for – go to work, find a solution, do something. Our youths decided to do something about the challenges rather than occupy the streets to complain

“To the residents of Anambra- non indigenes of Anambra state who are flooding into Anambra as a land of opportunity, as well as those who are contributing positively to the economy and social development of Anambra, we use this opportunity to celebrate you.

“And to all our friends and all our partners all over the world- the federal government, our neighbouring states, other states of Nigeria, the international community, the private sector, the investors who are flooding into Anambra as a land of opportunity, helping to create the prosperity that we desire. This is a moment that we celebrate all of you.

“Anambra is on the rise. The challenges abound, but our resolve is to continue to work extremely very hard every day to ensure that we continue to take Anambra higher and higher and higher. We are fully on course.”