The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurated a newly-renovated health facility and a newly-built 4.2km road in Igbo-Ukwu, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Soludo’s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the governor performed the exercise during his visit to the Igbo-Ukwu community, marking a significant achievement, community support, and a renewed commitment to development.
Aburime said the governor inaugurated the newly-renovated health facility, which culminated in a spirited rally for his re-election, underscoring the close ties between the governor’s administration and the people of Igbo-Ukwu.
The statement read in part, “The governor’s first stop was the Primary Health Centre in Obiuno, Igbo-Ukwu, a facility renovated by a family and subsequently handed over to the Anambra State Government.
“In an inspiring ceremony, Soludo officially renamed the centre ‘Comprehensive Medical Centre’ and pledged to send doctors and nurses to the facility to ensure that residents have access to quality healthcare, including free antenatal care and delivery services.
“This centre is a private-public-community partnership and a testament to what we can achieve together.
“The governor then moved to commission a significant infrastructure project: a newly-built 4.2-kilometre road that will serve as a vital artery for the Igbo-Ukwu community. This project, spearheaded by Dom Okafor, the member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, is expected to facilitate better transportation and stimulate economic activities in the area.
“The high point of the day came at the Central School in Igbo-Ukwu, where a rally was organized to endorse the candidacy of Governor Soludo and his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim. The atmosphere was electric, filled with songs, dances, and a palpable sense of camaraderie among community members ready to show their unwavering support.”
During the rally, Soludo shared his vision for the future of Igbo-Ukwu, announcing that they are now redesigning the esteemed Igbo-Ukwu Museum, which showcases the region’s rich cultural heritage, including the renowned Igbo-Ukwu bronze—one of the oldest archaeological finds in Nigeria.
“We are reinvigorating our heritage, ensuring that it shines for future generations,” he emphasized, connecting the past to a bright future.
“While canvassing votes for Chief Emmanuel Nwachukwu, the APGA standard bearer in the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial Bye-Election, he also took a moment to reflect on the long-awaited completion of the Light House, a project that had taken thirty-four years to realise and which houses the iconic Igbo-Ukwu bronze.
“This is not just about structures, but about our identity and pride.
“As the rally drew to a close, a heartfelt gesture of support took place as the community members presented a cheque of fifty million naira to Governor Soludo, a powerful testament to their collective belief in the administration’s vision and their readiness to invest in the future of Anambra State.
“Soludo’s visit to Igbo-Ukwu has not only reinforced the relationship between the administration and the community but has also instilled a renewed sense of hope and determination among the residents of Igbo-Ukwu as they look forward to the future,” the statement added.
The Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, accompanied the governor to the functions, which were attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Ernest Ezeajughi, traditional rulers, various support groups, among others.
Earlier at the rally, speakers including Barth Nwibe, Dr Greg Ezeilo, Charles Ezeanaekwe, Dom Okafor, and Sir MCK Ubah emphasised the significant positive impacts of Governor Soludo’s policies, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic growth, affirming that under his leadership, meaningful advancements have been made, benefiting the community and the state as a whole