.. Gets endorsement from community leaders, professionals
By Emma Ogbuehi
Nkpologwu Town, one of the 14 communities that make up the Aguata local government area in Anambra state came alive on Saturday, 22, 2020, when the ‘Soludo Promoters Forum’ was officially launched in the community
The occasion attracted prominent community leaders, businessmen, academia and various professionals from different background. The traditional ruler of the community, HRH Igwe (Sir) Moses Obijikwa Okpalanwaka; the ‘Onowu’ Nkpologwu, Ichie Okenyeka; the Palace Secretary, Ichie Eugene Ezeobi and other prominent sons and daughters of the community, also attended the ceremony.
Welcoming the guests to the occasion, the Convener, Professor Romanus Ezeokonkwo expressed delight at the calibre of people present at the event. He told his guests that the launch of the “Soludo Promoters Forum” and the official unveiling of “Soludo Solution Anambra Smart Megacity” was significant as it signals the beginning of good things that will come to Anambra state
He reminded the audience that the tenure of the current Governor of the state, (Dr) Willie Obiano will come to an end early in 2021, hence the race for his replacement will soon commence in the state
Ezeokonkwo remarked that already many illustrious sons and daughters of Anambra extraction especially the professional politicians have begun preliminary consultations on who becomes the next Executive Governor of Anambra state.
He advised that as professionals, businessmen and elites, this was not the time to sit on the fence without active participation in deciding who to govern them
“We must rise and participate fully in electing our Governor this time around. We must do things differently as we cannot be on-lookers any longer. Our collective destiny is in our hands” he said
Ezeokonkwo, a Professor of Veterinary Protozoology further reminded his audience that the days of political experimentation in Anambra state were over, saying: ” the days of God-father politics must be put behind us. We must take the bull by the horns and insist that the seat of power in Agu-Awka must be occupied post- Obiano by the most qualified, well educated, well-tested, very exposed, very original, God fearing and a hardworking indigene of Anambra state”
He stressed that Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo was the man this cap fits most appropriately this time; describing him as an ‘Iroko’ , a man who possesses first class brain, a renowned Economist, an academic of great repute, a researcher, an international scholar, an astute administrator and a household name in Nigeria,” he emphasized
The Prof added that the onus to draft Soludo into the Anambra 2021 governorship race rest on everyone; and collectively a solemn duty that must be performed
“We must recognize, ask, lobby and persuade him to answer this clarion and sincere call of his brothers and sisters of Aguata extraction,” Ezeokoknwo said.
He said it was based on the fore-going that the concept and formation of “Soludo Promoters Forum” was borne to sensitive the elite and professionals in the society to be part of the process of electing who governs and rule them in the state
He stated as members of SPF, the forum will provide the platform which will be used to encourage the community members to embrace and canvass the politics of development by supporting Prof Soludo through deployment of their experiences and wealth of knowledge to churn out ideas that would facilitate hisvictory at the party primaries/ nomination and the governorship election in Anambra state come 2021
Ezeokonkwo added; “My brothers and sisters, our fate is in our hands. It is time we take the bull by the horns and chart the future of Anambra state for the benefit of our present and future generations. Our patriotic response to this all important clarion call shall go a long way in determining the fate of our dear state, Anambra. We cannot afford to sit on the fence this time around. The time to act is now!”
A facilitator and promoter of the Forum, Joe Anatune, speaking on behalf of other facilitators comprising Leo Chiegboka, Andy Okafor, and Prof Okey Ikeanyibe, described the SPF as “the big thing in town,” adding that the essence is to discourage elites’ apathy in political issues by encouraging and enlisting their full participation in the process of electing political leaders.
Anatune stated the SPF will be replicated and launched in all the 21 LGAs in the state in order to bring to fruition the full enlistment and participation of the elite, comprising the businessmen, academia, community leaders and professionals into the politics of Anambra state
Soludo who is yet to declare his interest to contest for the state governorship race, sent his goodwill message to the Convener/facilitators and participants at the event via a live telephone call
He told the gathering that it was really amazing that why he was yet to declare his interest to contest the 2021 Anambra governorship election, the enormous support he has received by various Support Groups and the good people of Anambra state have been totally overwhelming.
Soludo said he was so deeply touched with this show of love and support for him. He stated further that the resources, time and energy that all the Support Groups have expended in championing the cause for him to join the race for Anambra state gubernatorial election next year were deeply appreciated
According to him, the “Anambra Project” is a collective project that all Ndi Anambra must key into. He emphasized that the era of ” consumption sharing economy is on its way out,” stressing that the time has come to build an economy that is productive, self-sustaining and prosperous for the people to live, enjoy and be successful in any chosen endeavours of their choice.
Soludo further stated that a system of leadership where everyone brings in his or her ideas, talents and resourcefulness will be encouraged, so as to build a state that every Ndi-Anambra will be proud of. He advised the participants to remain focused, disciplined and organised; adding that “it is only those who are organised gets power”
He thanked both the Convener and Facilitators of SPF and the audience for their continued support and sacrifices, as well as the enormous confidence and trust reposed in him. He said he holds all these dear in his heart and will forever treasure it all through the rest of life
The occasion came to an end with the appointment of Prof Ezeokonkwo and Prof Ikeanyibe as the Chairman and Secretary respectively of the committee set up to drive the vision of SPF in Aguata. They are to be supported by other key officials who were equally nominated at the event and a representative each as member from the 14 communities that make up the local government.
Anatune explained the envisioned four pillars of “ideas, organisation, collective ownership and volunterism as the driving force that will bring to fruition the vision of the ‘Smart Megacity’ to the audience. The people on their part were to bring out their “time, treasure and talents” (the 3 Ts) to support the Smart Megacity vision
