Over 2,000 people today, August 30, attended the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) rally and Otite Anam celebration hosted by Dr. Bobmanuel Okonmah in Ezi Anam ward, Anambra West Local Government Area, with the massive crowd exceeding all expectations.
The unprecedented turnout demonstrated strong grassroots support as Hon. Ekene Michael, Chairman of the ward, delivered the opening welcome address, followed by Ezi Anam Councillor Emma Okafor Mmadukasi, who offered the secondary welcome to the enthusiastic gathering.
Setting the tone for the dual-purpose event, former Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra West, Hon. Orji Okafor explained in his opening speech that “this event serves two purposes: an APGA rally and the celebration of Otite Anam.” He acknowledged the ward’s traditional political unity, noting that “during elections, the ward does not suffer too much because almost everyone belongs to the party.” However, he emphasized the critical work ahead, stating, “there is still work to be done, which is to talk to our friends and relatives to support the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.”
The rally attracted prominent dignitaries, including Deputy Mayor of Anambra West LGA Hon. Mrs. Edith Ndive, Deputy Mayor of Onitsha North Hon. Mrs. Ijeoma Ejegwa, chairman, Anam People’s Assembly (APA), Chief Alex Okonkwo. Multiple support groups demonstrated their solidarity, with representation from the Okosisi Political Movement, Adorable Ladies for Ife Anam, Umudora Anam Development Union women’s wing, elders of Umudora and Umuikwu Anam, Akalaka Youth Vanguard and many others.
Building on the political momentum, Councillor Oroma-Etiti Anam and speaker, Anambra West, Engr. Sunday Okonkwo highlighted local government achievements, recounting infrastructure developments including the provision of shuttle buses that have improved transportation in the area. His remarks seamlessly transitioned to Deputy Mayor Hon. Mrs. Edith Ndive, who reinforced the administration’s commitment to grassroots development.
The Mayor, Anambra West LGA, Hon. Fidelis Nnazor in his brief speech delivered a comprehensive overview of Governor Soludo’s transformative initiatives, adding that at the local government level “1,000 sets of solar light have been bought to be distributed in the entire Anambra West.” He also announced expanded employment opportunities, noting that “nurses have an opportunity for employment” under his administration. Nnazor recounted that bridges, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects are part of the developmental project going on across the region.
The governor’s verified achievements in Anambra West include the completion of the strategic 11.9km Mmiata-Anam-Nzam road, which has revolutionized connectivity to the local government headquarters. This critical infrastructure project has opened up farms and rivers in Anambra West to other parts of Anambra State and neighbouring states, despite challenging soil terrain. The accomplishment forms part of Soludo’s broader infrastructure program, encompassing 540 kilometres of roads under construction and 310 kilometres already completed.
Moving from infrastructure to political strategy, Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne assured the crowd that “there is provision for everybody, both old and new members.” He made specific commitments to local development, promising Ezi Anam residents that “it is their turn and political positions must be evenly distributed.” Addressing immediate infrastructure needs, he pledged action on “the road leading down to Onono/Ukwubili” and revealed that “the Anambra State Development Commission will come for inspection of the Onono/Ukwu-ubili road.”
With an eye toward electoral mobilization, Commissioner Nwabunwanne outlined ambitious targets for the upcoming gubernatorial election. He revealed that “the LGA has almost 70,000 voters, and efforts must be put in place to ensure votes in Anambra West exceed 20,000 at least.” This represents a dramatic increase from the previous election’s modest 1,800 votes. Explaining the governor’s responsive approach, he noted that Soludo “will pay faster attention to those who gave him the highest number of votes instead of the 1,800 votes last time.”
Transcending party lines, Commissioner Nwabunwanne made a broad appeal to the electorate, urging people “irrespective of party affiliations, to re-elect Soludo for the betterment of now and future.” His vision for the area’s transformation was encapsulated in his declaration that “Ezi Anam will be the gateway of Anambra West when the road to Onono is done.”
The broader context of Soludo’s achievements extends beyond Anambra West, with the administration progressing development of three new cities: Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new Industrial City. The Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City Master Plan and railway master plan feasibility study have been completed, demonstrating the governor’s comprehensive approach to state development.
The rally witnessed significant party growth as several new members joined APGA during the event. The new party entrants were warmly welcomed by stakeholders and party executives, who provided assurances of full integration into the party structure.
Former Anambra West, Transition Committee chairman, Hon. Orji Okafor made a heartfelt appeal to constituents. He urged people “to be patient with the governor if they feel there are still things not done yet because he will surely do more,” referencing the administration’s ongoing development initiatives across the region.
The extraordinary turnout at the Ezi Anam event signals robust grassroots mobilization for APGA in the region, with local leaders expressing unwavering confidence in Governor Soludo’s developmental record and ambitious plans for Anambra West’s continued transformation.
Several musical groups performed at the event.
Concluding the rally, Dr. Bobmanuel Okonmah expressed his joy at the massive turnout and re-echoed Governor Soludo’s readiness to do more for Anambra West. He urged the people to give Soludo all the needed support and reassured the gathering that “re-electing the governor with massive votes will ensure that Anambra West demands are met faster.”
