Ohaneze Youth Urges Anambra Citizens To Support Governor’s Leadership

By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka

The Youth Wing of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on citizens of Anambra State to persist in their support for the transformative leadership and vision of Governor Charles Soludo, aiming to foster a state that aligns with their shared aspirations.

This appeal was made during a press conference held in Awka Anambra State, after a five-day inspection tour of Anambra State by the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide – Youth Wing. The organization’s leadership emphasised the necessity for sustained backing of the Governor’s administration.

In a statement signed by Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Acting National Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide – Youth Wing, the group expressed satisfaction with Governor Soludo’s achievements during his 30 months in office. They commended the Governor for his efforts in executing a variety of developmental projects within a relatively short timeframe.

The youth wing, committed to monitoring developmental programs across Igbo land to ensure the prudent use of public funds, indicated that Governor Soludo’s performance had surpassed their expectations. They underscored the administration’s focus on youth development, education, and public infrastructure, highlighting the importance of these initiatives to the residents of Anambra State.

Presenting their findings from the five-day tour, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide – Youth Wing recognized several key projects initiated under the Soludo administration. These included the “One Youth, Two Skills” Programme, which has equipped over 5,000 youths with essential skills; comprehensive free education for primary and secondary schools; a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiative; the hiring of over 8,000 teachers; and the distribution of more than 2,000 laptops to educational leaders, alongside enhancing school laboratories and libraries.

The group also praised the Governor’s improvements in the healthcare sector, particularly his efforts to rectify substandard health facilities in the state. They highlighted interventions in general hospitals located in Agulu, Nnewi, and Onitsha, as well as the hiring of over 1,000 health workers. Significant advancements were acknowledged, including the establishment of a Drugs Quality Control Laboratory at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) and an Endoscopy Unit at Onitsha General Hospital.

“As the premier youth leadership organization in Igbo land, we feel it is our duty to oversee developmental programs throughout the region and gather firsthand insights into how elected officials manage public resources for the welfare of Ala Igbo and Ndigbo,” the statement read. “This process enables us to shape our public enlightenment and Mobilisation efforts for Igbo youth worldwide.”

Reflecting on the past 30 months since Governor Soludo’s inauguration on March 17, 2022, the youth wing applauded his transformative governance model, which has catalysed swift progress in Anambra State. They recounted their role in mobilising youth during the 2021 elections and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

“We are particularly impressed with the administration’s commitment to youth development through targeted programs like the ‘One Youth, Two Skills’ initiative. These efforts empower youths to transition from job seekers to job creators,” they emphasised.

Addressing concerns surrounding security, the Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide – Youth Wing commended the Governor’s strategic approach to mitigating the insecurity that previously affected eight local government areas in the state. They acknowledged the administration’s proactive steps in restoring peace and order throughout Anambra.

The group expressed admiration for the fact that Governor Soludo achieved these notable successes without incurring debt, all while ensuring the timely payment of salaries and pensions to public servants. They highlighted various project sites visited during their tour, showcasing the Governor’s urban regeneration program.

Among the prominent projects mentioned were the construction of the new Anambra Government House and Governor’s Lodge, described as among the finest in the country, the development of Solution Fun City akin to Disneyland, and the ongoing Ekwulobia Flyover project, expected to be the longest in the Southeast, among others.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide – Youth Wing urged Anambra residents to maintain their support for Governor Soludo’s transformative agenda, asserting that he possesses the vision, courage, and determination to realise the Anambra State of their dreams.

“We call upon the people of Anambra to unite behind the great vision of Professor Charles Soludo, as he continues to lay the groundwork for a prosperous future. We have directed our state and local leadership to garner support for the Solution Administration across all 21 local government areas and 326 political wards, especially in anticipation of the upcoming local government elections.”

The group reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach grassroots communities throughout Igbo land. While congratulating newly elected councilors and local government chairpersons in Imo and Enugu States, they urged other states, including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Rivers, to ensure peaceful and successful local government elections.

Distinguished members of the apex Igbo cultural organisation and youth wing, including Mazi Onyedika Eweh, Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide in Anambra, Deputy Youth Leader Mazi Jones FCC Onwuasoanya, Mazi Ogbonnia Wensclaus, Chukwudi Dike, and National Publicity Secretary Mazi Chika Art Adiele participated in the event. They were accompanied by members of the National Executive and chairpersons from the seven Igbo States: Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Delta, Rivers, and Ebonyi.

Highlights of the event included a visit to Aguleri to pay homage to Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Akajiovo Igbo 34, followed by a meeting with Anambra’s Youth Commissioner, Patrick Agha Mba, and Chief Emeka Udodeme (Odegba), Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide Anambra Chapter.

Dominica Nwabufo