Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, CFR, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the extensive transformation of Onitsha Metropolis. This announcement was made during the commissioning of the Trans-Nkisi Recreation Centre in Onitsha on Saturday, September 14, 2024.
Governor Soludo underscored Onitsha’s pivotal role as the commercial hub of the South East, asserting that regional progress hinges on the city’s advancement. He introduced a comprehensive master plan aimed at overhauling the city’s markets with state-of-the-art, multi-storey complexes.
The Governor also emphasized the importance of ongoing infrastructure projects in key areas, including Akpaka, 3-3, and the GRA, aligning these efforts with the broader vision of transforming Onitsha into a major metropolis.
Acknowledging the state’s financial limitations, Governor Soludo advocated for the Public-Private-Community-Partnership (PPCP) model as a means to drive development across Anambra State. He expressed gratitude to the people of Anambra for their active participation in the administration’s transformation agenda and recognized the contributions of various individuals to road projects across the state.
“I am thrilled to be at Trans-Nkisi. The transformation of the entire axis—Akpaka, 3-3, GRA—is crucial for the broader Onitsha area. Our development initiatives started from Okpoko, and our primary goal is to advance our region. Anambra is experiencing significant development, with various areas turning into large construction sites. We are addressing key priorities,” Governor Soludo remarked.
He further discussed the implications of Onitsha’s growing population and the importance of the master plan in shaping the city’s future: “With the population increase, our master plan for a greater Onitsha will be essential for future generations. Anambra has the smallest land area after Lagos, and we plan to dualize all the trunk A roads.”
The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to fulfilling promises, stating, “Many governments make promises but fail to deliver. I am committed to doing what I say. While I appreciate the new fitness centre, there is still more to be accomplished.”
Regarding Anambra State’s budget, Governor Soludo highlighted the disparity between the state’s income and its needs, noting, “Most resources are privately held, leaving the government with a smaller share.”
He expressed willingness to collaborate with the community on development projects, proposing, “I am prepared to initiate pilot phase projects and will return with our program. We will establish a joint committee between Trans-Nkisi and the government. For every amount contributed by the community, we will match it with fifty percent.”
Nchekwube Okeke, Secretary of the Landlord Allottees of Trans Nkisi Layout, expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for being the first governor to visit the layout in 44 years. Mr. Okeke also requested the governor’s assistance in addressing land grabbing issues in Phase Two and highlighted support from neighboring communities. He assured the governor of the community’s readiness to cooperate fully with the state government in developing the layout.
