Governor Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to confront the worsening gully erosion and flooding ravaging Ogidi and other parts of Anambra State.
During an inspection tour of the affected areas in Idemili North Local Government Area, the governor was warmly received by the traditional ruler, Igwe Alex Onyido, and community leaders. Soludo assured them that addressing the Ogidi flood menace remains a key priority for his government, describing it as a challenge that can no longer be ignored.
He traced the problem to years of poorly executed drainage projects and the improper termination of existing water channels, which have worsened flooding in the area. “Government is a continuum,” Soludo said. “We will take it up and fix it once and for all, but we must work together as a community to make it sustainable.”
The governor highlighted ongoing erosion control works in nearby communities such as Owelle Aja and Obosi—where he said progress had reached about 80 percent as well as Nkpor. He described erosion and flooding as some of Anambra’s biggest environmental threats and commended Ogidi residents for taking proactive measures, including constructing catchment pits in their homes to manage stormwater.
Soludo disclosed plans to build about eight kilometers of new drainage channels in Ogidi to provide a lasting solution to the problem. He explained that erosion across the state developed over decades and will take time, effort, and resources to fix, stressing that everyone has a part to play.
While in Ogidi, Soludo paid tribute to the late literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe, describing him as “a gift to humanity.” He said naming the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport after Achebe was a fitting honour to his legacy.
Speaking on security, the governor reflected on the tense atmosphere during the 2022 election season and expressed satisfaction that normalcy had returned to the state. “Those contesting elections can now move freely. We’ve made real progress, though there’s still work ahead,” he said.
On education, Soludo responded to community concerns about the absence of public schools in Ogidi by announcing that construction of a new government school would begin before the end of next month. The project, he noted, will ensure local children benefit from the state’s free education policy. He thanked the community for donating land for the project, describing it as a true partnership gesture.
“Our administration is people-centred. We want to build a society that works for everyone, especially the poor,” the governor added.
Several stakeholders, including APGA State Chairman Barr. Ifeatu Obiokoye, lawmaker Hon. Kingsley Udemezue, and the Governor’s Special Adviser on Entertainment, Mr. Bob-Manuel Udokwu, praised Soludo’s leadership and pledged continued support.
The Mayor of Idemili North LGA, Engr. Stanley Nkwoka, assured the governor of the area’s loyalty to his government and the APGA platform. The visit concluded with community representatives presenting Governor Soludo with a ₦50 million cheque as a token of their solidarity and appreciation for his ongoing development efforts.
