Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s recent visit to the Igbo-Ukwu community was a day filled with significant achievements, community support, and a renewed commitment to development.
Starting with the commissioning of a newly renovated health facility and culminating in a spirited rally for his re-election, the day underscored the close ties between the Governor’s administration and the people of Igbo-Ukwu.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Governor Soludo’s first stop was the Primary Health Center in Obiuno Igbo-Ukwu, a facility renovated by a family and subsequently handed over to the Anambra State government. In an inspiring ceremony, Governor Soludo officially renamed the center to “Comprehensive Medical Center” and pledged to send doctors and nurses to the facility to ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare, including free antenatal care and delivery services. “This center is a private-public-community partnership and a testament to what we can achieve together,” Governor Soludo emphasized to the gathered crowd, underscoring the importance of accessible healthcare for the community.
The Governor then moved to commission a significant infrastructure project: a newly built 4.2-kilometer road that will serve as a vital artery for the Igbo-Ukwu community. This project, spearheaded by Engr. Dom Okafor, the member representing Aguata federal constituency, is expected to facilitate better transportation and stimulate economic activities in the area.
The high point of the day came at the Central School in Igbo-Ukwu, where a rally was organized to endorse the candidacy of Governor Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim. The atmosphere was electric, filled with songs, dances, and a palpable sense of camaraderie among community members ready to show their unwavering support.
During the rally, Governor Soludo shared his vision for the future of Igbo-Ukwu, announcing that they are now redesigning the esteemed Igbo-Ukwu Museum, which showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage, including the renowned Igbo-Ukwu bronze, one of the oldest archaeological finds in Nigeria. “We are reinvigorating our heritage, ensuring that it shines for future generations,” he emphasized, connecting the past to a bright future.
While canvassing votes for Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, the APGA standard-bearer in the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial Bye-Election, he also took a moment to reflect on the long-awaited completion of the Light House, a project that had taken thirty-four years to realize and which houses the iconic Igbo-Ukwu bronze. “This is not just about structures, but about our identity and pride,” he asserted, resonating deeply with the audience.
Earlier at the rally, speakers, including Engr. Barth Nwibe, Dr. Greg Ezeilo, Amb. Charles Ezeanaekwe, Engr. Dom Okafor and Sir MCK Ubah emphasized the significant positive impacts of Governor Soludo’s policies, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth, affirming that under his leadership, meaningful advancements have been made, benefiting the community and the state as a whole.
Aburime stated that as the rally drew to a close, a heartfelt gesture of support took place as the community members presented a cheque of fifty million naira to Governor Soludo, a powerful testament to their collective belief in the administration’s vision and their readiness to invest in the future of Anambra State.
He said Governor Soludo’s visit to Igbo-Ukwu has not only reinforced the relationship between the administration and the community but has also instilled a renewed sense of hope and determination among the residents of Igbo-Ukwu as they look forward to the future.
He added that the governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, traditional rulers, various support groups, among others.