The sun rose gently over the Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri, casting its golden rays on a day destined for history in Anambra State. But beyond the fanfare of infrastructure unveiling, what captured the attention of many observers was the resounding presence and solidarity shown by party faithful from Anambra West Local Government Area.
Led gallantly by the performing Mayor of Anambra West, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor, the ever-resilient APGA Chairman in the local government, Hon. Romanus Egwuatu and the Women leader, the Anambra West delegation, arrived in a strong, unified front. Clad in vibrant APGA regalia, chanting party slogans, and waving banners of support, their presence was not just symbolic — it was a statement of loyalty, unity, and shared purpose under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
The occasion — the official commissioning and renaming of the road leading to Chinua Achebe International Airport as “Willie Obiano Boulevard” — was one laced with emotion, political symbolism, and appreciation of legacies. In honoring his predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano, Governor Soludo reminded Ndi Anambra that governance is a continuum, and that acknowledging past contributions is essential in building a united future.
Among the dignitaries present were top government functionaries, including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Majority Leader, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; and former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe, among others.
However, the spirited turnout from Anambra West added a grassroots flavour to the event. Mayor Nnazor, who has been instrumental in grassroots mobilization and development, was seen interacting warmly with other stakeholders and reaffirming the local government’s unflinching commitment to Soludo’s transformational agenda. Hon. Egwuatu, ever passionate about the party’s strength in the rural blocs, described the moment as “a proud day to stand with a visionary leader who has not forgotten any corner of the state.”
Governor Soludo, in his address, acknowledged the diversity and broad representation at the commissioning, describing it as “a testament that Anambra is united in one agenda — development.” He stressed that his administration was for every Anambra person, regardless of zone or class, and reiterated his commitment to inclusive governance.
For the people of Anambra West, the governor’s words were not mere rhetoric. Soludo’s recent interventions in long-neglected areas like Olumbanasa, Eziagulu-Otu, and Mmiata speak volumes of his attention to their plight. Access roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare initiatives have begun to trickle into these remote but resource-rich regions, rekindling hope for development.
The renaming of the road to “Willie Obiano Boulevard” was met with thunderous applause, not just as a nod to a predecessor, but as an emblem of continuity and appreciation. Chief Obiano, who initiated the airport project, remains a revered son of Anambra North. Honouring him with such a legacy shows Governor Soludo’s commitment to celebrating those who contributed meaningfully to the state’s growth.
Traditional rulers, legislators, and APGA chieftains from Oyi, Anambra East, and Anambra West took turns to commend the governor. His Royal Majesty Igwe Sir Ben Emeka of Umueri, and HRM Igwe P.N. Anugwu (Ogilisi Igbo) of Ukwalla, lent their voices in support, calling for continued infrastructure development and urging communities to back the governor’s developmental vision.
As the cultural dancers drew the curtains on the event, the message from Anambra West was clear — we are in full support of Soludo. And under the guidance of leaders like Mayor Nnazor and Hon. Egwuatu, the region has not just found its voice in APGA, but its place in the unfolding Anambra success story.
The road may now be called Willie Obiano Boulevard, but on this day, it also bore the footprints of solidarity from Anambra West — a testament that in unity, there is strength.
