By Ovat Abeng
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has commended the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Awka CapitalTerritory Development Authority (ACTDA), Hon Ossy Onuko, for providing a quality service delivery in Awka and it environ.
The Governor gave the commendation when he official unveiled 60 shops called Solution Arena fruits and vegetables and solution grills and sundries initiative by ACTDA for fruits and vegetables traders at Agulu Community in Anoacha local government area of the State on Friday.
He said his administration will continue to support the Authority until his vision of making Anambra a smart, green, livable and prosperous state in Nigeria is fully achieved.
According to the governor, the state master plan is huge and accommodates the next generation of ndị Anambra, pointing out that as a result, all Trunk-A Roads have been mapped for dualization.
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“We have a huge agenda in Agulu and Anaocha. We are just two years and a few months in office. You have benefitted a lot within these years.
“The Solution Arena which is not ordinarily meant to be a state government project is just supposed to serve as a model to communities, as part of our urban regeneration agenda.
“This is meant to take development nearer to the people, especially the poor and forgotten, in line with the “leave no one behind” mantra of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA.
“Everybody that will do business here, will get a shop free of charge. There are communities in the state who hadn’t seen coal tar, but with the massive road construction of over 500 kilometres, they can now heave a sigh of relief”, the Governor stated.
The Governor noted that in keeping with his urban regeneration initiative, Odu Igbo, Onitsha is currently being constructed, while a Solution Arena structure is already up and running in Awka, thereby reducing street trading.
“Agulu is a big town. God created and beautified the town with a lake. We will turn Agulu into a tourist destination,” the Governor stressed.
The governor informed the people of the area that the shops are giving to the beneficiaries free of charge.
He urged the beneficiaries to protect and make good used of the edifice for the betterment of their families, the community and the state at large. Soludo used the unveiling to seek for more partnership from relevant stakeholders for rural development.
In his appreciation remark, MD/CEO of ACTDA, Hon Ọnuko, said the project was a clear testament of APGA philosophy of onyeaghana nwanne ya “leave no one behind,” adding that Soludo’s administration was determined to turn Awka into a befitting State capital.
According to Onuko, our able governor have provided a platform for everyone of us he has given the opportunity to serve Ndi-Anambra to thrive and prosper. We are only following the forestep of the governor. We are learning from the man who knows the way, got the way and show us the way. And we all this giant transformation policy he has showcase to the people within a space of two and half years in office, his reelection victory come 2025 governorship election will be announced 21/21.
The ACTDA boss also used the event to charged the management committee setup to manage the facility to be committed, shun corruptions and thinker solutions for it effective management.
In his contribution, a human rights activist, Comrade Osita Obi, also commended the ACTA boss, for his ideas that have transformed the capital territory.
Obi again hailed the Anambra State governor for showing compassion to the displaced fruit and vegetable traders by providing them with an even better place after their dislocation.
Obi said, “I’m now seeing a different side of Soludo. Before, I thought he was a rigid person, but with this development, I have seen the human face and compassion in him and his government.
It was gathered that the new market named (Oye Toro) located on the Agulu Lakeside road in Umuowelle, Agulu in the Council Area, will serve as a permanent site for the relocated Nwagu Agulu fruit market, which was displaced due to ongoing road construction projects in the area.
Also the market relocation is expected to enhance economic activities in the area, providing opportunities for traders and farmers to showcase their produce.
In attendence during the unveiling were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barr. Joachin Anaeto, State Chairman of APGA, Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, the Anoacha Council boss, Hon Romanus Ibekwe, the Lawmaker representing Anoacha One Constituency Hon Nkechi Ogbuefi and representatives of Solution Ambassadors.