By Christian ABURIME
In a landmark event that blended infrastructure development with heartfelt recognition of legacy, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, today commissioned the road leading to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, and announced its renaming to “Willie Obiano Boulevard” in honour of his immediate predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano.
The commissioning, held at the gateway to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, attracted an impressive gathering of dignitaries, including members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, House of Assembly members, community leaders, and political stakeholders from across Anambra State.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; Deputy Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Chinedu Nwoye.
Others are the former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe; former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor; Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne; Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka; Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi; among others.
Governor Soludo, addressing the gathering, described the event as “a unique commissioning, considering the calibre of people present,” and emphasized that the gesture was more than symbolic—it was a message of unity, continuity, and respect for those who contributed to Anambra’s development.
“I don’t really need to be thanked because I am doing what I applied to do,” he said. “Doing what has not been done and improving what has already been done. The philosophy remains—one state, one people, one agenda. No one should be left behind. To me, the state is one constituency. Therefore, everyone and every area must be carried along.”
The governor further explained the inclusive developmental model of his administration, recalling his visits and interventions in neglected regions of the state, particularly the northern axis.
“We must recognize that the North, which has the largest land mass but lacks heavily in infrastructure, is the reason I started work there, particularly in Okpoko,” he noted. “A few weeks ago, we returned to Okpoko to commission what we have done—projects that give people life. The same applies to Olumbanasa, where no governor had ever visited before. Now, we are opening up that axis with planned connection roads to Eziagulu-Otu, Mkpumnando, and others.”
Soludo recounted his emotional experience when he first visited Enugu-Otu, Aguleri.
“I cried publicly when I went to Enugu-Otu for the first time. Past governments may have ignored it due to the difficult terrain, but that must change. We are working to ensure that no part of Anambra is left behind.”
But the climax of the event was the honour bestowed on Chief Willie Obiano. Soludo lauded the former governor’s efforts during his tenure, particularly in initiating the airport project and constructing the International Convention Center (ICC) in Awka.
“Today, we celebrate one of our own—Chief Willie Obiano. He did his best. The airport, the ICC, and many other legacies. We must appreciate him and send a message—not only to him, but to all past governors of Anambra State. They must be appreciated and immortalized.”
He compared the naming of the road to “Willie Obiano Boulevard” to the famed “Bill Clinton Drive” leading to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing it as a fitting tribute to a man who dared to dream and deliver.
Stakeholders from Oyi and Anambra East—including traditional rulers, legislators, and the Mayor—showered praises on Soludo for his inclusive governance style and for recognizing the contributions of his predecessor.
His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Sir) Ben Emeka, the traditional ruler of Umueri, thanked Governor Soludo for completing the road and other impactful projects, and passionately appealed for the extension of road infrastructure to link Anambra East, Ayamelum, and Anambra West to the airport.
“This is how leaders ought to lead—with a sense of history, unity, and purpose,” remarked Igwe Ben Emeka.
His Royal Majesty, Igwe P.N. Anugwu (Ogilisi Igbo), traditional ruler of Ukwalla and Chairman of the Anambra North Traditional Rulers’ Council, commended the governor and pleaded for the ongoing Anambra West road to be extended beyond Nzam to the remote Olumbanasa communities.
Barr. Obiora Nweke (Elegelede), representing Anambra East in the Anambra State House of Assembly, and Hon. Innocent Ojike (Ojicam), representing Oyi Constituency, also expressed their appreciation to the governor for siting key developmental projects in Anambra North, saying it reflects a balanced and inclusive administration.
The unveiling of the new boulevard was marked with applause, cheers, and cultural displays—capturing the moment’s deep significance. It wasn’t just a road that was commissioned—it was a bridge across generations of leadership, a statement of shared destiny.
Governor Soludo ended with a powerful message: “We are building Anambra and its children for the future. Let history remember that we honoured our heroes, united our people, and laid a foundation that could not be shaken.”
