As Anambra State marks its 33rd anniversary on Tuesday, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has said people of the state have nothing to fear as the state under his watch, is on the rise.
The governor gave the optimism during a broadcast at the governor’s lodge, Amawbia, to mark the creation of the present Anambra State out of the Old Anambra in 1991.
Following the ouster of Yakubu Gowon in a military coup led by Murtala Mohammed, the military junta had in 1976, created the Old Anambra State, alongside Bauchi, Benue, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo.
However, in 1991, the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida created the present-day Anambra state, out of the Old Anambra.
According to Governor Soludo, the dream of the forebearers of the state, of creating a dream state that is liveable and prosperous is still on course, as the state is doing well in various sectors including education, health, technology, infrastructure, youth development, good governance among others.
In his opinion, the state of the state is very strong and Anambra people should be proud of their homeland.
He paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and heroes of the state, who gave the state a brand name, including the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dr. Chiba Okadigbo, among others, who he said, contributed to the growth and development of Anambra, Igboland, and Nigeria
“Today, we celebrate our past, our present and our future-our children who are the bricks for the future.
“We also remember Anambra youths and commend their doggedness and proactiveness in deciding not to join the recent nationwide protest and instead, focused on their gainful ventures.
“We celebrate our women who put in a lot of sacrifices for the betterment of our society, constituting the foundation of the society. Also, our men and all those who are residents in the state contributing towards the development of the state.
Soludo, who noted that he is committed to making indelible marks towards the realization of the dreams of the founding fathers of the state, revealed that his government is on the verge of breaking many jinxes about the state in the next few weeks.
“We are aware that it is not yet Uhuru for the state. Yet, although challenges abound, my government is resolved to work hard everyday to bring about the realization of the Anambra of everyone’s dream.
“On this day, I encourage our people not to lose the steel for which we are known. The industry, the entrepreneurship and the enterprising spirit.
“We must begin to utilize our entrepreneurship and enterprise to transform Anambra to become one liveable and prosperous homeland.
“Government alone cannot undertake this task and that is why every hand should be on deck to build the state of our dream,” Soludo appealed.
