We must resurrect Onitsha, Soludo charges traditional rulers, Anambra stakeholders

Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo says all stakeholders must come together to develop Onitsha.

Soludo disclosed this at a town hall meeting of traditional rulers, presidents-general, women presidents-general, community youth leaders and other stakeholders across the state in Awka on Wednesday.

With 49 days in office, Soludo said his administration’s first duty is to resurrect Onitsha.

“Today marks 49 days we assumed office. This is the second time we have called this meeting to keep you abreast of our commitment to transforming the state. We will call you again in 100 days.

“Our first duty is to resurrect Onitsha. Onitsha must rise. Onitsha, being the Obi of Ndigbo. Almost all gutters in the city are all filled up. Distilling of Sakamori has commenced. All houses blocking the river must come down.

“The presence of touts has pursued many businessmen away from the town. It is difficult to find where to park to do shopping. But we assure you that shopping in Onitsha will become a pleasurable experience soon,” Soludo said.

While announcing the recruitment of teachers and health workers to make up for workforce deficits in the state schools and hospitals, Soludo also promised to increase the “N20million community choose your project initiative” of the immediate past administration to N25million.

He also said there would not be further appointments, pointing out that funds at his disposal could not afford such.

“Every government policy must go down to the grassroots. Repairing Anambra will start from the communities, towns, and villages.

“We will partner with those with private farms to assist us in producing enough palm oil and coconuts we can consume and export,” he added.

On security, Soludo called for assistance from youths of various communities on intelligence gathering, assuring them that their identity would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

He also declared a state of emergency on insecurity, roads and other infrastructures in the state.