God bless Anambra!!

On Sunday September 11 2022, Anambra State was in the news for the wrong reasons. Some innocent lives were taken by yet to be identified gun men and motive of attack still unknown, thus turning the state into grief.

When I visited the crime scene where Obum, Goodnews and several others were gruesomely  murdered,  I saw a pool of their blood and I cried on to God! Even in my grief, I found hope because  I understand the strident efforts Governor Soludo is making to secure the state for the peace and prosperity of the people. In spite of these efforts by the governor, occasional breaches will occur as it happened last Sunday. 

In the midst of all the uncertainties, I chose to see some silver linings. Because of the beautiful side that I see, I have the conviction to charge the people not to lose faith in God for this land we occupy belongs to God, and we shall overcome all adversaries.

Anambra State- the Light of the Nation, is among the oldest Igbo states in Nigeria. It’s arguably the most popular of all South-Eastern states. The state has a very large concentration of native Igbo speakers inhabiting in it. Just like the land of Israel belongs to God, Anambra belongs to God and the people are the chosen people of God. He that blesses Anambra is blessed by God. The enemies of the state will be disgraced because God in his infinite mercy will not forsake Anambra even as we  struggle against insecurity and other challenges. No matter how long darkness thrives; it will eventually give way for light of the nation to shine. 

We are lucky to be blessed with a governor best suited for the moment. Our duty is to support him, pray for him and encourage him. Take the economy for example; Soludo has impacted positively in the economy by his favourable policies in areas of agricultural development. For the first time since the era of Dr Michael Okpara of the old Eastern Region, palm seedlings and coconut seedlings are being planted. Farmers are receiving improved seedlings and cassava stems. Livestock are being distributed to farmers to boost livestock production. Real estate business is booming, likewise foreign direct investment and community development schemes, to mention a few. As soon as the raining season subsides and the dry season sets in, the government intends to embark on massive road construction and rehabilitation.   

On the environment, Gov. Soludo has commenced the clean and green initiative. Not less than 31 contractors are currently engaged in waste evacuation across the state. Okpoko is cleaned up.  Reconstruction work on the flood section of the Ogidi flood section of Awka-Onitsha old road is receiving serious attention and will soon be completed. 

Anambra is filled with great minds and exceptional youths with enterprising skills. The youths we know are the bedrock of the society. As a gender-friendly and youth advocate governor, Prof. Charles Soludo has distinguished himself by demonstrating unmatched leadership forte and selecting only the best hands to be assigned to designated offices.

I must commend the capacity governor for the diversity in his appointments. Government at all levels should endeavour to reflect the demography and diversity of our society in appointments. He has exceeded everyone’s expectations in working and aligning with our teaming youths. 

Women play a key role in social and economic development. Prof. Soludo has demonstrated unmatched capacity, inimitable competence and solidarity to the women in terms of women empowerment and support for rural women and young girls to become enterprising and resourceful. Today, in Anambra, young people are seizing opportunities through volunteering to acquire experience that will make them competitive. 

Security remains the priority of the government. The first and foremost responsibility of a government is the security of lives and property of the people. The issue of security in Anambra state can’t be over emphasised. Prof. Soludo in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of  the state is leading from the front by leaving no stone unturned to deal decisively with some elements from the dark womb of history who have refused to sheathe their swords and allow for amicable dialogue that will birth a peaceful and liveable state. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! Soludo has taken steps to approach the security situation in a more sensible manner that will accommodate all and sundry to table their grievances and proffer a way forward. Whatever is the grouse, peace remains the best alternative to violence and indiscriminate destruction of lives and properties.

My people, we the Igbo have shed and wasted so much blood from 1966 to date. We must understand we have no more blood to waste. We must stop the blood lettings of our own.  We have come this far not to give up, but to persevere to the end.  Irrespective of party or religious affiliation, we must embrace peace and harmony if we must achieve a better future for our children and the unborn generation.

I will end this article with the following words which enjoins all of us to keep the state and our people in prayers; I pray God to keep Anambra in His loving care. May He place a spiritual hedge of protection around His people. I pray he watch over our land as a good shepherd watches over his flock and may our people find their ultimate safety and security in God. The battle is of the Lord and in him shall we take refuge. We shall overcome because greater is He that’s in us, than He that’s against us. 

We wrestle not against humans but against principalities and powers from the underworld that have sworn to destroy our state. Father in heaven, our God of the eleventh hour, God that never sleeps nor slumber, Jehovah Shammah, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Rah, King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, who is like unto thee oh Lord? Ancient of days, the I am that I am, the beginning and the end, the author and finisher of our faith, mighty one in battle, You said in Your word, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. We stand firm on your words, because thy word is a lamp on our feet, and a light on our path. You didn’t give us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind. You said we should call upon You and You will give us rest. We carry the mark of Christ. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadows of death, we shall fear no evil, because God walks beside us. He goes ahead of us to clear the way. He walks behind us to shield us from the snare of the serpent and the arrows of the evil ones. Son of David, arise and defend your children in their helpless situation. We worship no other God but you. Our faith and hope lies in You alone. 

We stand upon Your throne of Grace in thy presence; there’s fullness of Joy, in thy right-hand side. You are our only saviour.  Lion of Judah, arise and show your glory. God of the helpless, we call upon You this hour of grace, to intervene in the situation in our beloved state. We seek Your divine restoration, divine manifestation and may the blood of Jesus be sprinkled in every nook and cranny of the state. Bless those that bless our land and curse those that curse our land. This too shall pass and the spirit of Anambra will triumph through Jesus Christ our Lord. God bless Anambra! God bless the land and the people!!