Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has urged residents of the state to take immediate action against the escalating threats of flooding and gully erosion. He made this call during a solemn interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka, the state capital, on Sunday, September 27, 2026. The governor emphasized that tackling these environmental issues requires a collective effort from all citizens.
Soludo expressed deep condolences over the recent tragic death of a six-year-old pupil, Success Ezenwafor, who lost his life during a flooding incident in the state. He noted that this heartbreaking event underscores the importance of personal responsibility in addressing environmental challenges. The governor highlighted that despite the state government expending tens of billions of naira on the issue, a lot of work remains to be done.
To mitigate the effects of flooding and erosion, Soludo urged citizens to take practical steps such as containing water run-off from their compounds, refraining from blocking drainages, planting trees, and cleaning drainage systems. He stressed that individual actions can collectively make a significant difference in addressing these environmental challenges. The governor encouraged residents to take an oath of personal responsibility on a daily basis to make the country and state great.
Reflecting on the state of the nation, Soludo noted that while significant progress has been made since independence in 1960, there is still a long way to go. He expressed optimism about Nigeria's future, describing the nation as a glass half-full rather than half-empty. The governor emphasized that citizens should stop lamenting and instead work towards a better future.
The Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim, who delivered a sermon at the service, emphasized that true independence goes beyond mere flag-raising and is fundamentally about allowing a people to determine their own destiny. He observed that while governments change and leaders come and go, the nation endures, and individuals in leadership must be accountable for governance.
Ibezim lamented that Nigeria's robust agricultural boom before independence has significantly waned but maintained a message of strong optimism, asserting that Nigeria has not failed as a nation. He urged citizens to speak well of the country, bless it, and "brighten the corner where you are." The cleric lauded the state government for its strides in infrastructure, healthcare, security, and human capital development.
The solemn service was attended by a high-powered state delegation and dignitaries, including the First Lady, Dr. Nonye Soludo, and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim. Soludo's call for collective action against flooding and erosion resonates with residents as the state continues to grapple with these environmental challenges. The governor's administration is working hard to address these issues and fulfil its contract to the people.
Key points
- Soludo urges Anambra residents to take collective action against flooding and gully erosion.
- The governor emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in addressing environmental challenges.
- Soludo's administration is working hard to address environmental challenges and fulfil its contract to the people.
