GOVERNOR Willie Obiano of Anambra State, at the 25th anniversary of the state on Saturday, August 27, 2016 advocated for joint efforts by all stakeholders in the state for a better future for citizens.
The governor reminded the elder statesmen and state actors at the anniversary dinner that there is so much work to be done to make Anambra great.
Obiano remarked: “…on the 25th Anniversary of Anambra State, I am not standing here tonight, to tell you the history of our great state. We are all familiar with how our journey started as a state. Neither am I standing here to bore you with my account of stewardship as the governor in whose time our beloved state turned 25…”
The governor in a seeming passionate appeal stated: “I am standing here tonight to tell you that there is so much work to do to build a better future for our children but the government of Anambra State cannot do it all alone. I am standing here to remind you that the only way we can move this great state forward is to do it together, to think together, to push together and to build together! Experience has shown that when people work together, they always win!” he noted that this is probably the reason why after 25 years of efforts by successive regimes to make this state a better place, Anambra is still work in progress.
The governor commended the contributions of past leaders and other people in the state. “I must not fail to acknowledge the great sacrifices made by so many illustrious indigenes of Anambra State to drive the wheels of development in our communities. It is a thing of joy to realise that since the end of the Nigerian Civil War, Ndi Anambra have never waited for any government to provide access roads, scholarships, electricity, community schools, town hall blocks, cottage industries and recreational facilities for them. We have always stepped out through the various Town Unions to push the boundaries of modernity in our communities … and where necessary, our illustrious brothers and sister have taken it upon themselves to build important amenities in their communities as their personal contributions to community progress,” he declared.
Obiano stated that Anambra has many philanthropists who find fulfilment in spreading joy in our communities, adding, “That is a heritage we share…”
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The governor celebrated that Anambra has great entrepreneurs who have not only contributed to the growth of the nation’s economy but have also created thousands of jobs to keep the youths off the streets. “that is who we are! That is the famous Anambra spirit. We don’t wait for the wind to change in our favour. We go against the wind and leave a large mark for generations yet unborn,” he said.
The governor further celebrated the improvement of education in the state, particularly, enhancement of capacity building in young brains and professionals. “I must also acknowledge our great sons and daughters who have done us proud in Nigeria and across the world. These include the school children who have represented Nigeria in world debate championships, scientists who have contributed to human advancement, writers and thinkers who have changed the perception of the very idea of the black as a human being, bankers whose ideas have changed Nigeria’s financial landscape, traders and businessmen and women who have dominated commerce across Africa and of course the members of the clergy whose prayers have kept things in the balance for every one of us here,” Obiano highlighted. He added, “We have wealth creators and those who scatter riches. We have geniuses among us but we also have madmen and women who continue to add drama to our everyday life. These are the attributes of a great household. There must be the good and the not-so-good children but they are all equally loved. Everyone is important to us. We cannot keep one and throw the other away. That is the spirit of Anambra. That is what has sustained our legend…The belief that where one thing stands, another thing stands beside it. Nothing ever stands alone in the philosophy of our people.”
Obiano projected the next 25 years of development in the state, disclosing his achievements so far. “as we brace up for the challenges before us in the next 25 years, we may do well to remember that my team and I have created the enabling environment that we have all been waiting for. Anambra is the safest state in Nigeria at the moment. We have mastered the counter-response strategy to emergency situations like kidnapping.”
He revealed that the government has also set up the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) to help the people to set up their businesses in the state.
He explained that ANSIPPA makes the process of investing in our dear state very easy, as he urged that, “tell our brothers and sisters across the world to think Anambra when they think of investment. Tell them to think Anambra when they are thinking of setting up a new business;” adding, “Ndi Anambra must bring their wealth home.”
Obiano enjoined the people on love and brotherhood in the communities. “I wish to appeal for peace and harmony. Let us all beat our cudgels into ploughshares and trim this garden of possibilities called Anambra State! Let us embrace one another in love and celebrate our great state, our great history and our common humanity,” he declared.