By Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu
The international community comprising the diplomatic corps – Ambassadors and heads of mission of some of the most progressive nations of the world, and foreign development partners from the United Nations, the IMF and World Bank, EU, WHO and others – literally stormed Anambra over the weekend on a working visit to the state.
Governor Soludo engaged them with a view to seeking their support in the areas of Security, Health, Agriculture, Erosion control and infrastructural development.
In line with his urban renewal drive, the governor made the Largest Urban Slum in the state, Okpoko, their major port of call so as to witness firsthand the dereliction and devastation of the area.
This momentous visit, a testament to the massive international goodwill that the Governor of the State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo enjoys, is expected to initiate, according to him, a series of ‘strategic partnerships that will improve the living conditions of Ndi Anambra, especially hundreds of thousands of our brethren trapped in Okpoko and other adjoining slums in the state’.
He noted that Okpoko , being the most densely populated urban slum is the weakest link and therefore needs to be prioritized and his administration’s urban renewal program needs to begin from there.
He once decried the scenario thus…., “Umunnem, ife di na Okpoko; the genius, the unemployed and the criminal…..The challenge before us is to decide whether to continue to complain about the ugly situation or do something to change it.’
The distinguished guests also visited some major erosion sites in the state, with some courtesy calls,after which they were treated to a sumptuous reception at the Governor’s Lodge where our Truth, Justice and Peace Commission made it’s presentation.
In addition to the invaluable support by the UNDP to our Commission, the South African Ambassador also pledged assistance in guiding us through the project, having regard to their National experience in Transitional justice issues.
On the menu at the Banquet was ukwa, Abacha, ofe akwu, ede na akwukwo nri, fiofio, ji na anyu, ofe egusi, ede na onugbu, okwulu, osikapa na ofe akwu and much more…The Governor insisted on our local delicacies and nothing else, which the visitors enjoyed, and which was washed down with delicious chilled palm wine.
Were our international guests visibly impressed? Yes they were…
Oh yes ! The movement has set sail…it’s Anambra to the World!
• Mrs Odumegwu Ojukwu wrote from Awka.