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•As Soludo hails private partnership model
From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
It was jubilation all through last weekend in Umueri community, Anambra East Local Government Area, Anambra State, following the inauguration of the 1.2-kilometre Nzegwu Okoye Road, built and funded by the traditional ruler, Igwe Ben Emeka, the Okebo II of Umueri.
The project was launched by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, under his Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) initiative.
Performing the official inauguration of the road, Governor Soludo commended Igwe Umueri for his outstanding character and philanthropic gestures towards promoting quality leadership and community development.
Soludo added that the action was in line with the PPCP, a developmental model that has enabled private individuals to participate in the development initiatives across the state and encouraged other well-meaning individuals blessed by God to emulate what Okebo has done.
Governor Soludo praised the gesture as exemplary and perfectly aligned with his administration’s development philosophy, stating that the sense of community is the foundation for the progress of Anambra.
The governor directly addressed the project’s benefactor, Igwe Ben Emeka, stating, “Once you build it, I’ll come and commission it,” a promise that stresses his administration’s pledge to support and celebrate community-led infrastructure projects.
In a powerful call to action directed at affluent citizens, Governor Soludo redefined community prestige, moving it from mere titles to tangible contributions, urging well-meaning individuals across the state to follow Igwe Emeka’s example.
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The governor noted that true measure of prestige is no longer found in titles, but in the tangible impact made through community service and local ownership.
He stated that rather than waiting solely for government intervention, the “Anambra Spirit” thrives when individuals take ownership of their environment, pointing out that the sense of community is the foundation for the progress of Anambra. He said the monarch’s gesture was in perfect alignment with his administration’s philosophy.
By following Igwe Emeka’s lead, the governor noted that citizens become active partners in governance, ensuring that development is not just “government-owned” but “people-owned.”
Igwe Emeka, in a remark, expressed optimism that the newly commissioned Nzegwu Okoye Road is expected to significantly improve transportation and boost economic activities for residents and businesses in the area, pointing out that the project stands as a concrete testament to the efficacy of collaborative development, where government encouragement meets private and community execution for the common good.
He appreciated the governor for gracing the occasion with his presence to commission the road.
Present during the ceremony were the former member of the House of Representatives, Anambra East and West Federal Constituency, Chief Benjamin .C. Obidigwe, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources; Engr Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Transport; Barr Mrs Patricia Igwebuike, Member Representing Anambra East in the state Assembly; Barr Obi Nweke, the Mayor of Anambra East Local Government, among others.
Many traditional rulers in the state also graced the occasion to felicitate with their colleague.
