The Hope of Ndi Anambra
365 days later...
Dear Ndi Anambra,
Yesterday, the Soludo administration marked one year in office. On March 17, 2022, the world watched the seamless handover of our people’s hope from one administration to the other. The camaraderie between the past and present Governors of Anambra State was evidenced by the audience present at the ceremony. It has been one year since that ceremony.
Just as Prof. Soludo stood and promised Ndi Anambra his commitment to a transformation agenda, the Government now stands with a record of the past 365 days, asking to be held accountable.
Although the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) is just one of the various MDAs operating in Anambra State, we believe it is essential to properly analyze the last year and lead the conversation on the way forward especially as it affects driving investments into the State.
From the start, this administration publicized 5 key areas to drive the Solution Agenda. These include:
Security, Law, and Order
Infrastructure and Economic Transformation
Human Capital and Social Agenda
Governance, Rule of Law, and Value System
Environment
As we are all aware, this administration inherited a high level of insecurity and a complete breakdown of law and order in the entire Anambra South senatorial zone. As of last year, activities in seven (7) LGAs were interrupted due to the operations of Unknown Gunmen.
To tackle the situation, the Soludo administration established the Ministry of Homeland Affairs and appointed a very capable Commissioner to direct the security efforts. The Governor also appointed a Special Adviser on Security to provide another layer of security in the State.
The administration went ahead to leverage the State’s vigilante law and set up the Anambra State Strike Force. These efforts led to the creation of the Joint Task Force that served as the vanguard in the fight against insurrection and other forms of insecurity.
Today, when we meet with prospective investors and the security question comes up, we can boldly say that life has returned to normal in most parts of the States. People have defiled the Monday sit-at-home order and all MDAs are fully functional every weekday. This confidence proves that not only is Ndi Anambra tired of succumbing to instructions from questionable sources, but the trust in Government to secure lives and properties is present.
For infrastructure and economic transformation, the evidence is all over social media. All you have to do is search the hashtag #Soludosolution. On road networks, the administration has awarded and flagged off an unprecedented 261 km road contracts, touching all the 21 LGAs, which is 41 kilometers above the initial target. The best part; these roads are estimated to last for the next 20 years and are to be delivered within the next 9 months.
Furthermore, to strategically deliver on the transformation agenda, the State established the Anambra State Urban Regeneration Council (AURC). This Agency is tasked with carrying out continuous identification and study of areas due for urban regeneration and bringing about sustainable improvements in the said areas.
AURC has already identified four flagship projects and is working closely with other MDAs to fulfill its given mandate. The four projects include:
•Urban Regeneration Development of Okpoko.
•Urban Regeneration Development of Club Road (Abakaliki Road).
•Urban Regeneration Development of Judiciary Boulevard and Secretariat Road.
•Urban Regeneration Development of Light of The Nation Community Sports and Leisure Park.
As part of Mr. Governor’s commitment to exploring sustainable solutions, the State has also converted over 6,380 diesel-powered streetlights in the State to Solar energy. The State has also engaged some private Power sector partners to develop a road map to 24/7 electricity in Anambra State.
If you follow Anambra Insights, you will be intimated of other infrastructure projects the State through ANSIPPA is currently working on. Some of these projects include the development of the Aguoba Township Layout and some parts of the Isiagu Township Layout, Awka, the feasibility study for the SkyTrain project, the engagement of the private sector to build industrial parks in various parts of the State, the development of the Ogboji Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Hub, etc.
On Human Capital and Social Agenda; last year, Anambra made the news when the State recruited 5000 teachers. The process of hiring was transparent and strictly based on merit. The administration also established a special scholarship for indigent students which has already aided the education of 107 students in hard-to-reach riverine areas of the State.
The massive recruitment was not limited to just the education sector. This administration has hired 244 medical personnel into government hospitals.
Analyzing the Government, Rule of Law, and Value System will further prolong this newsletter. This point concerns the improvement of civil service, the operations of MDAs, and the general administration of Government to its people. Today, the Government has increased the salaries of all civil servants by 10%. Pensions and gratuities are paid as at when due and all Heads of MDAs are on their toes to deliver on their given mandate (as evidenced by the improvement of ANSIPPA).
Lastly, Prof. Charles Soludo promised Ndi Anambra a Clean, Green, and Sustainable environment. Readers of Anambra Insight followed the Waste Management Committee journey which developed a policy document that will guide the State Waste Management’s effort and fulfill the promised campaign. Implementation of this policy document is headed by the Deputy Governor and more information will be disclosed as the journey progresses.
For the next two years, here are a few projects the government will focus on:
Deepening our security architecture
Construction of additional 50-100km of roads
Industrial cities/Export Processing Zones
Continuing work at the airport
Provision of 24 hours electricity supply to the three major cities- Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi
Building a New Awka City
Upgrading of infrastructure in Schools
Improving Awka, Onitsha and Obizi water supply etc.
The complete presentation detailing the achievements so far and the next steps will be published via our website at ansippa@anambrastate.gov.ng
I know that this is not the typical Anambra Insight you have come to know and love. But, at the inception of this publication, we promised a step-by-step insight into the transformation journey of this administration. Today, we have compressed 365 worth of information to promote transparency and foster accountability.
Anambra state boasts of having one of the most educated populace in Nigeria. This means that the Government is held to a higher standard at all times. We understand that burden and we are determined to live up to the expectations of Ndi Anambra. One year is over, but we have 1095 days to keep improving.
May Anambra succeed.
Regards,
Mark Okoye
MD/CEO
Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency
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Anambra State under Soludo's Administration is a work in progress, A prosperous Anambra is achievable. ANSIPPA Team keep up the good work!