By Christian ABURIME
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has commissioned the 1.2-kilometre Nzegwu Okoye Road in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The project was fully funded and executed by the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, under Governor Soludo’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model.
The Governor noted that true measure of prestige is no longer found in titles, but in the tangible impact made through community service and local ownership.
He stated that rather than waiting solely for government intervention, the “Anambra Spirit” thrives when individuals take ownership of their environment, pointing out that the sense of community is the foundation for the progress of Anambra. He praised the monarch’s gesture as a perfect alignment with his administration’s philosophy.
In a move to encourage further private, community investment in public infrastructure, the Governor highlighted his standing pledge to any citizen ready to step up.
“Once you build it, I’ll come and commission it.”
Governor Soludo also utilized the platform to challenge the state’s wealthy elite to rethink their contributions to society. He urged well-meaning individuals to pivot from ceremonial displays of wealth toward substantive community service.
By following Igwe Emeka’s lead, the Governor noted that citizens become active partners in governance, ensuring that development is not just “government-owned” but “people-owned.”
Igwe Emeka stated that the Nzegwu Okoye Road will enhance mobility, boost commerce, among others, appreciating the Governor for gracing the occasion with his presence to commission the road.