By Mazi Ejimofor Opara
“We are asking people to invest in Anambra, not to do us a favour”… Gov. C. C. Soludo CFR.
“Na wa o!” This was the retort of a man in the hall when Governor Soludo declared to potential investors, Development and Financial Institutions and International Organizations that it was in their enlightened self interest to invest in Anambra at the just concluded Anambra Investment Summit (ANinvest 2.0). The Gen Zs would say, “it’s his audacity for me”.
The only explanation to this bold faced bravado can only be that Soludo is certain about the foundations of his lofty ideas. Like he quipped in 2019 at the popular event — “The Platform” — “you can’t build a skyscraper upon the foundations of a Bungalow”. By this level of audacity, one must take it for granted that Gov. Soludo has dismantled the “very beautiful” foundation of a bungalow upon which the State was set for many years, and he is quite busy with casting a rocksteady foundation for Anambra’s development in the next 50years.
Some of the visible pointers to this massive recalibration of Anambra’s development trajectory can be seen in the mega road dualizations that will connect Anambra to Imo in a matter of minutes. Okija to Awka through Nnewi in less than 40minutes; Umunze to Awka through Ufuma, Awa, Ndikpa, Ezinator to Amansea bunching up to major conurbation. The Anambra Mixed-use Industrial City (AMIC) springing up at Ogboji. The Fun city in Awka standing as a major leisure center for fun seekers, with a major alternative fun spot springing around the Agulu lake.
With Okpoko on the rise, and Ogbo-ogu moving from its current unorganized location to a coordinated wholesale drug center in Oba, Anambra is indeed not asking for charity. The rural agrarian belt of Awba-ofemili is now a satellite town where Residents get to the State Capital in a matter of 20 minutes, something never before seen or experienced.
Ekwulobia? That one is another wonder that is shaking the very roots of cynical thinkers who never thought it possible. The much talked about creative destruction Soludo promised is upon us. And those who understand, have concluded that the bravado is deserving, and are already redirecting their capital to the Light of the Nation.
