The Anambra State Government says it is prioritising environmental sustainability, economic growth and urban renewal as the state prepares to mark its 35th anniversary on Thursday, August 27, 2026.
The anniversary, themed “Our Environment, Our Future,” will feature a tree-planting campaign and a media chat with Governor Chukwuma Soludo as the state reflects on its development journey and future prospects.
The anniversary activities were among the decisions reached at the 10th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council in Soludo’s second term, held at the Light House, Awka.
The Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, said the environmental focus was aimed at drawing attention to the challenges confronting the state and reinforcing the administration’s commitment to building a cleaner and greener Anambra.
Mefor said sustainable environmental management was critical to supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life in the increasingly urbanised state.
The council also approved a regulatory framework for cooperative societies in the state to establish minimum operational standards, protect members’ investments and strengthen the viability and scalability of cooperatives.
According to Mefor, the framework would enhance the capacity of the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State to perform its responsibilities and enable cooperative societies to contribute more effectively to the state’s economic development.
On economic development, the council reviewed the economics of the proposed Anambra Aerotropolis, which the government envisions as an export-oriented economic gateway to the South-East.
The project is expected to incorporate the Anambra Mixed-use Industrial City and an entertainment hub within the state’s free trade zone.
The council also reviewed progress on the regeneration and modernisation of markets across the state and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
It said the regeneration of Onitsha Main Market remained on course for completion and would serve as a model for similar market redevelopment projects across the state.
The council said the market regeneration programme was part of broader efforts to address disorderly urban development and support the emergence of a clean, green and smart megacity.
It noted that the interventions, though challenging, were necessary to prevent further deterioration of urban areas and create a foundation for sustainable development as the state’s population and commercial activities continued to grow.
The council also admonished political office holders and other public officials to exercise power responsibly and in the public interest.
It stressed that political authority should be deployed for the common good and in accordance with democratic principles rather than abused.
Anambra State was created from the old Anambra State on August 27, 1991, making Thursday’s anniversary an opportunity to reflect on the state’s development and its future priorities in environmental sustainability, urban renewal and economic transformation.
