By Abbanobi Eku Onyekachi
Abuja
President General (PG), Anambra State Town’s People Association (ASTPA) in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Sir Arinze Anadu (Nwachinemelu) has not only thanked God for adding a year to the life Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, but also felicitated with him at his 64th birthday celebration.
The PG addressed journalists to that effect Monday, as the governor did the celebration on Sunday.
Recall that while the governor, paying tributes to late Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide PG, Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu and the representative of Anambra South Senatorial District at the 10th Senate, late Senator Ifeanyi Uba, Soludo said: “While I am grateful for another year of life, I am saddened by the recent passing of two of Ndigbo’s finest sons, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo) and Senator Ifeanyi Ubah (Ebubechukwu-uzo Nnewi).
While congratulating the governor for attaining his new age, Sir Arinze Anadu remarked: “As indigenes are celebrating the 64th birthday of Soludo today, it is an opportunity to look at his exceptional qualities. While his visionary governance have been recognised, there is a lot in his persona that is worthy of emulation.
“His is a leadership style that cares for the people of the State, the needy inclusive. His mode of leadership has been marked by policies that reflect his concern for the marginalised. The free education in public schools shows his belief that education should be for all, by ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has access to education.”
Describing the move as foundation for brighter future for Anambra people, Arinze Anadu however, observed that the free education hasn’t only increased number of children in schools, but also given hope to the children of the poor, as well as knowing that education is the surest means of getting the poor out of poverty.
Soludo, he went on, has not left health and well-being of the people behind, adding that, his free education and antenatal care services in hospitals underscore his understanding of the critical importance of maternal health. According to him, by removing financial barriers to essential healthcare services, he ensures that expectant mothers receive the care they need, by reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. He added that the policy was a clear reflection of his commitment to improve the lives of women and children.
Speaking on the youths, he had this to say: “His interest in the youth can be seen in his youth empowerment programmes and their skills acquisition programme, among others. Beyond his policy achievements, he is known for his humility, despite his accomplishments. He often takes time to engage with citizens, to understand their challenges.
While still hailing him for performance, the PG however advised him to do more in the area of security, by advising him to engage and empower the local vigilantes to augment his present security apparatus. Sir Arinze Anadu said life assurance for the local vigilantes should be a part of their packages, which if done, according to him would encourage them to do more.
