By Christian ABURIME
Abambra State Governor Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has called on ndị Anambra in the diaspora to help develop the state by investing their resources home.
Governor Soludo made the call at the commissioning of Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo Centre for Development and ICT in the hilly, serene centre of Enugwu Ukwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State
Hon. Nwankwo is the member representing Anaocha, Dunukofia and Njikoka Federal Constituency as well as the Senatorial Candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, for Anambra Central.
According to the Governor, human capital is the greatest resource owned by Ndị Anambra which must be harnessed and developed.
While referring to the state as head of Tech hub in Nigeria, he expressed excitement about such gesture by the lawmaker, admitting that his attendance at the event is for the betterment of Anambra.
"Only Government cannot fix Anambra State. The whole resources and budget of the state in the hands of government is barely two percent (2%). Ninety-eight percent (98%) is in private pockets.
"To develop Anambra will require massive application of Public Community Private Partnership.
"Tonimas is remembered today because he tarred 18 kilometer of roads with drainages singlehandedly in his community," the Governor said.
"We have come to celebrate Onyedozi because you will be remembered by your works. The Campus being built in Enugwu Ukwu is also a giant stride in the state.
"I will be the Chief Protocol Officer of any Project that will be embarked upon in Anambra.
"Our mission is to build a liveable and prosperous homeland. This kind of development is at the heart of our agenda, to make Anambra a digital tribe.
"We have set aside some billions for Youth empowerment and the Bank of Industry will also bring matching funds.
"We are pleading with Ndị Anambra to come out and contribute their quota towards the development of the State. This is the 'Akụ luo ụnọ' model because it will touch lives.
"We signed a contract with two companies to mount fibre optics to provide high speed internet at a cheaper cost.
"The beneficiaries from this project will be students, graduates and non-graduates.
"I thank you immensely Onyedozi. You have prioritized human capital even in primary health, ICT and education. These are examples of human capital.
"The roads Onyedozi requested for construction are very important because that's the greatest desire of Ndị Anambra. Indeed we have a road crises in Anambra.
"As at Monday, we have awarded over 250km of roads and we shall construct all of them.
"Our party slogan is "onye aghana nwanne ya". We will give life to those who have no access to good roads," Governor Soludo stressed.
"By the time we complete 24 months in office, every local government will be touched. Very soon, something will start at Oyi LGA.
"We are spending close to N2 billion naira on Federal roads because we can't keep waiting for the Federal Government. Igboukwu - Ichida - Nnobi Roads are all federal roads and we are intervening.
"At Ogbaru, there are roads that are completely washed off because of the flooding.
"Anambra must be secured but it must take all of us working together. If you see something, say something. If you can do anything, do it.
"I must commend our vigilantes, security agencies and every onye Anambra who are volunteering information to us. Together Anambra will continue to win.
"Onyedozi you have set the pace. I encourage you to keep doing the great work you are doing. This ICT Center will be pivotal in our agenda for Anambra State.
"Enugwu Ukwu is the land of the wealth! I am sure Enugwu Ukwu have more than ten Tonimas.
On his part, Hon. Ferdinand Dozie Nwankwo who described the ICT Center as one of his pet projects said that skills development, ICT and education which have a special place in the affairs of Governor Soludo will help in the progress of his government.
According to him, the skills development/acquisition section of the building has the following units; cosmetology, food processing, wood work, fashion and designing, hair dressing, confectionaries, photography, video editing, cinematography, security system, surveillance, interior decoration and civil finishing.
He pleaded with Governor Soludo to consider partnering with the centre and use it for government ICT trainings, CBT examinations, skills acquisition and any other activity deemed appropriate.
He also disclosed that his constituency office is attached to the same complex which will serve the purpose of easy accessibility to his constituents.
He also stated that he attracted a Campus of Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu to Enugwu Ukwu and the pioneer students are currently in their second year.
The lawmaker appreciated Governor Soludo for the employment of 5000 teachers, flagging of over 50km of roads in Anambra Central, dredging of 500 metres of Mmili John River, culvert de-silting and widening of water flow, flood control at Ogbunike/Ogidi section of Enugu-Onitsha old road, major interventions on two sections of Amansea axis of Enugu-Onitsha old road and intervention on Inland Doors axis of Nkpor-Umuoji Doad.
Concluding, Hon. Nwankwo solicited for the people's unflinching support in his quest to represent them as a Senator for Anambra Central on the platform of APGA.
In attendance were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, APGA Senatorial Candidate for Anambra South, Hon Chris Azubogu, Provost Federal College of Agriculture, Ishiagu Dr Michael Okonkwo, Hon. Chidi Ibemeka, Dr. Pete Ibida, Hon Ikenna Iyiegbu, TC Chairman for Idemili South Council Area, Hon Obi Amaka, Former Speaker House of Assembly, Rt Hon Anayo Nnebe the clergy including the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Traditional Rulers among others.