Gov Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has reiterated his administration’s determination to transform neglected areas of the state through urban regeneration initiatives.
Soludo gave the assurance on Tuesday, when he inaugurated projects at Okpoko community in Ogbaru Local government Area of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor inaugurated the newly constructed General Hospital, Okpoko, water scheme, street lights, Ojoto and Amazu roads and remodeled public schools.
He said his administration’s goal remained to foster economic growth in underdeveloped parts of the state to drive inclusive development.
According to him, neglected communities will no longer be left behind in the state’s progress.
“Our administration is fully committed to the urban regeneration of areas that have suffered neglect for years.
“Every corner of Anambra deserves access to modern infrastructure, clean environments, clean water, good roads, health facilities, schools and thriving economic activities.
“I was here on March 18, 2022, and I promised that Okpoko, the worst urban slum in the south east with heaps of refuse, blocked drains, no portable water, no good road and no electricity; will be transformed.
“Three years today, I’m here to fulfil those promises, from ‘Okpoko Slum to Okpoko New Heaven’. And this is just the beginning,” he said.
Soludo pledged to set up a digital recreational center in Okpoko, aiming to equip children and youths with coding and digital skills for global opportunities.
“Our dream is that someday, children born and raised in the slum of Okpoko will grow to become the next Aliko Dangote, billionaires and rulers in the digital world,” he said.
He encouraged residents of Okpoko to take ownership of the infrastructure by maintaining a clean environment and refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal that could block the drains.
In his welcome address, the Speaker of Anambra House of Assembly, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, expressed gratitude to the governor for investing in the transformation of the Okpoko community.
Udeze, a House member representing Ogbaru Constituency II in the assembly, apologised to the governor for losing in the constituency during the previous election.
“We owe you an apology because three years ago, you lost the election in Okpoko and the entire Ogbaru local government area. Yet, you did not exclude the area from your transformation agenda.
“We will repay this gesture by voting overwhelmingly for your re-election on Nov. 8,” he said.(NAN)
