The Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has commissioned a 1.7-kilometre road in Achalla community, Awka North Local Government Area of the state.
The road was single-handedly constructed and paved by a prominent son of the community, Chief Emma Nwakamma, through the state Private-Public-Community Partnership model.
During the commissioning, on Wednesday, Soludo assured the residents of stepping into the leadership crisis rocking the Achalla community, asserting that his administration will do whatever is necessary to restore harmony and progress to the ancient kingdom of Achalla.
Addressing a cheering crowd of residents and stakeholders, Soludo prioritised the internal stability of the town in conjunction with the community members as a prerequisite for development.
He noted that the state could not stand by while internal frictions threatened the collective future of the people.
He said, “We will intervene in the leadership of Achalla to bring about lasting peace. Achalla, are you ready? Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of tranquillity, and our goal is to ensure that Achalla moves forward as one united family.”
“The new road is a ‘shining beacon’ of the state government’s Private-Public-Community Partnership model. This is a stark economic reality that the government only controls a fraction of the state’s potential.
“About 98 per cent of Anambra’s income and wealth is in private hands. The government’s budget is only a small percentage of what our people own.
“To transform Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland, we must harness this private wealth. We acknowledge and celebrate Chief Nwakamma today because he has shown us what is possible when private success meets public spirit.”
In an emotional appeal to the sense of civic duty, the governor urged Ndi Anambra to stop waiting solely for the government and instead look at how they can impact their immediate surroundings.
“I celebrate Chief Emma Nwakamma for his heart for the people. But you don’t need to build a kilometre of road to make a difference. Buy a pencil for a child; do the little or much you can give. No one is too poor to give, and no act is too small. Do something for the greater good of the public,” he added.
Soludo also used the platform to express his profound gratitude for the political mandate given to him by the community, adding, “I thank you for your election support. We scored 73 per cent of the total votes cast.”
Earlier in his remarks, Nwakamma, who constructed the road, explained that his decision to fund the 1.7km project was a direct response to Governor Soludo’s PPCP model.
He expressed optimism that the road would ease the movement of goods and people, ultimately boosting the local economy of his immediate constituency.
The high point of the event was the official cutting of the ribbon, amidst songs of praise from the local residents.
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