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Omabala Shines as Governor Soludo Honours Predecessor, Sir Willie Maduburochukwu Obiano

The beautiful communities of Omabala, Anambra State, stood still on the occasion of a momentous event: the honoring of former Governor Sir Willie Obiano, the immediate past leader of the state. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, on Monday, April 7, 2025, recognized the landmark achievements of his predecessor by naming the 10.5km road leading to the Chinua Achebe International Passenger and Cargo Airport the “Willie Obiano Boulevard.”

The road, a critical infrastructural development of the state, now immortalizes the legacy of Chief Willie Obiano, whose tenure as Governor witnessed a marked transformation in Anambra State. The formal unveiling of the “Willie Obiano Boulevard” was accompanied by a ceremony that attracted dignitaries from various spheres of governance, traditional leadership, and local communities.

Governor Soludo, in his address during the event, extolled the contributions of Chief Willie Obiano to the growth and development of Anambra State, saying, “Chief Obiano did his very best, completing 90% of the work at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Awka and the Chinua Achebe International Airport, which remains one of the flagship projects of his tenure. The building of these institutions represents a remarkable legacy in the development of Anambra State.”

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The Governor continued to highlight his administration’s policy of honoring the legacies of past leaders, setting a significant precedent by naming the road after Obiano. Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of continuity and gratitude towards the hard work and contributions of those who came before him. He expressed that this was just the beginning, noting that the state would continue to honor past leaders, beginning with Ex-Governor Willie Obiano, and extending to other political figures such as Peter Obi, Dr. Nwabueze Ngige, Dr. Chinwoke Mbadinuju, and Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, each of whom contributed to the state’s progress in their respective capacities.

The event was attended by several traditional rulers from the Awkuzu, Umueri, and Aguleri communities, as well as other dignitaries, state officials, and local citizens who gathered to mark this historic occasion. The traditional rulers of these key communities — HRM Prof. Charles Anikweze (Igwe of Awkuzu), HRM Igwe Ben Emeka (Igwe of Umueri), HRM Igwe Dr. Mike Idigo (Igwe of Aguleri), and the Igwe Ukwalla Community, who also serves as Chairman of the Anambra North Traditional Rulers Council — each expressed their profound gratitude for Governor Soludo’s leadership.

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These monarchs commended Governor Soludo for his vision, transformative policies, and commitment to community development in Anambra North. The traditional leaders’ presence at the event underscored the significance of unity among the people of Anambra State, as the event transcended political affiliations and became a communal celebration of development, continuity, and progress.

In his remarks, Governor Soludo expressed his profound dedication to the people of Anambra, reiterating his belief in the philosophy of “one state, one people, and one agenda.” This has been a cornerstone of his administration’s approach to governance. Since taking office, Governor Soludo has remained steadfast in his commitment to the people of Anambra State, working tirelessly to ensure the implementation of projects that benefit the entire state.

The Commissioner for Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, took a moment to express gratitude to the Governor for his unwavering commitment to governance. Chukwuemeka praised Governor Soludo for his determination and commitment to service, highlighting the Governor’s first day in office, where he worked over eight hours and visited Okpoko in Anambra North on the very next day. This swift action reflected Soludo’s dedication to ensuring the rapid development of Anambra State.

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Governor Soludo’s tenure has already seen a string of notable achievements, particularly in the area of healthcare, infrastructure, and social welfare. Sir Ifeanyichukwu Chinweze, Chairman of the Anambra East Local Government Area, also took the floor to thank the Governor for the development of five new general hospitals in the Anambra North zone. These hospitals are expected to significantly improve healthcare access and service delivery in the region, a part of Governor Soludo’s broader vision of making healthcare more accessible to every citizen, particularly those in underserved areas.

Additionally, the ongoing Aguleri Otu Road project was highlighted by the member representing Anambra East in the State House of Assembly, who also thanked Governor Soludo for his efforts in constructing more roads and expanding the state’s infrastructural landscape. The Aguleri Otu Road project is seen as an important part of the Governor’s initiative to improve connectivity in the rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring economic integration across the state.

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One of the defining moments of the day was the unveiling of the “Willie Obiano Boulevard.” The newly named boulevard stretches a notable 10.5 kilometers and leads directly to the Chinua Achebe International Passenger and Cargo Airport, one of the most important infrastructural projects undertaken by Chief Willie Obiano during his tenure. This airport is expected to play a crucial role in promoting trade, tourism, and economic development, further cementing Anambra’s role as an economic hub in the southeastern region of Nigeria.

Governor Soludo, along with traditional rulers, members of the State House of Assembly, and the Anambra State Executive Council, gathered to officially unveil the newly named road. The event was met with admiration and joy from the people, many of whom gathered to witness the unveiling. The road name serves as a lasting tribute to Chief Willie Obiano, honoring his contributions to the state’s infrastructure and development.

The honoring of Chief Willie Obiano by Governor Soludo is part of a broader vision to create a legacy of unity and continuity in governance. By naming a major road after his predecessor, Governor Soludo emphasizes the importance of recognizing the hard work and achievements of previous administrations while also ensuring that progress continues.

As Governor Soludo remarked during the event, honoring past leaders is not just a matter of political correctness but an essential aspect of fostering a culture of appreciation and unity. “Our strength as a state lies in our ability to recognize and build on the work done by previous leaders,” he stated, highlighting that the continuity of good governance ensures that Anambra remains on a path of sustained growth and development.

The presence of traditional rulers at the event was particularly significant, as it underscored the collaborative relationship between the political leadership and the traditional institutions in Anambra State. Traditional rulers in Anambra have historically played an important role in shaping public opinion and maintaining peace within their communities. Their participation in events such as the unveiling of the “Willie Obiano Boulevard” helps to reinforce the idea that leadership should be inclusive, transparent, and focused on the collective good.

Traditional rulers from the Awkuzu, Umueri, and Aguleri communities spoke highly of Governor Soludo’s efforts in promoting infrastructure development and community welfare. They also lauded his ability to work closely with them and other local stakeholders to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose across the state.

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The naming of the “Willie Obiano Boulevard” has already sparked widespread praise across Anambra State. Many Anambra residents took to social media to express their admiration for the Governor’s gesture. The act of honoring a past Governor with such a prominent infrastructure project has been seen as a positive step toward fostering a sense of continuity, mutual respect, and cooperation within the state.

Residents of the affected communities have expressed their satisfaction with Governor Soludo’s work, with many noting the visible transformation that has taken place under his leadership. The state’s infrastructure has received a significant boost, as evidenced by the ongoing road projects, the establishment of new healthcare centers, and the planned expansion of the state’s economic hubs.

As Anambra State continues its journey toward greater development, Governor Soludo’s administration remains committed to building on the legacy of past leaders while implementing bold and forward-thinking projects for the future. The establishment of the “Willie Obiano Boulevard” is just one example of how the Governor intends to leave a lasting impact on the state, ensuring that future generations of Anambrarians continue to benefit from the progress made today.

In closing, Governor Soludo’s gesture toward his predecessor was not just a moment of recognition, but a call for unity, progress, and shared responsibility for the future of Anambra State. With continued collaboration between government officials, traditional leaders, and the people of Anambra, the state is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.