CHRISTIAN ABURIME
After a whole eventful year of so much done to keep transforming Anambra State into a better, livable, happy place, Anambra is now ready for a delightful festive experience.
It is the ideal destination for investors, tourists and merrymakers. And what awaits Ndi Anambra and visitors is a tribute to coordinated governance and purposeful preparation under the leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, as the state has undergone tangible developments across multiple sectors, creating an environment that promises everyone a peaceful, secure, and enjoyable Christmas celebration.
The readiness is evident in every corner of the state, from rehabilitated roads to revitalised markets, from enhanced security measures to improved healthcare readiness. What emerges is a picture of a state administration that has worked deliberately to ensure that this festive season will be marked not only by traditional joy and celebration but also by safety, accessibility, and prosperity.
A most critical foundation of Anambra’s readiness lies in its improved road infrastructure. Road rehabilitation projects have intensified across major urban centres, with critical routes in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, Ekwulobia, and surrounding communities receiving much-needed attention. Township roads have been restored, significantly improving traffic flow and accessibility throughout the state.
These infrastructural improvements serve a dual purpose: they facilitate the increased movement expected during the holiday season while simultaneously demonstrating Governor Soludo’s commitment to long-term development. For residents returning home from Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and beyond, these enhanced roadways represent more than mere convenience; they symbolise a state that values connectivity and mobility.
Markets have always been the lifeblood of Anambra’s economy, and the current administration has recognised this reality through targeted interventions. Major commercial hubs including Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja, Eke Awka, and Nkwo Nnewi have benefited from increased sanitation efforts and organisational improvements.
Access lanes have been reconfigured to reduce congestion, while traders have fully stocked their shops in anticipation of the seasonal rush. The result is a marketplace environment that is cleaner, safer, and more efficient than in previous years. These improvements not only enhance the shopping experience but also reflect a deeper understanding of how commerce drives the state’s prosperity.
Perhaps no preparation is more critical than ensuring the safety of residents and visitors. That is why the Soludo administration has reinforced the state’s security architecture through a comprehensive approach that involves multiple agencies and community participation. Joint patrols have become more visible, particularly in urban centres and high-traffic areas. Checkpoints have been reorganised to improve surveillance effectiveness, while community vigilante groups have intensified their local monitoring efforts. This coordinated strategy has fostered a more stable and secure atmosphere, providing residents with the confidence to celebrate the season without fear.
Only a healthy citizenry can enjoy festivity. So, the state’s healthcare sector has not been left behind in all this readiness. Major hospitals, including the state teaching hospital and other healthcare facilities, have strengthened their emergency response capacity in anticipation of potential increases in patient volume during the festive period. These measures demonstrate foresight and responsibility, ensuring that medical services remain accessible and effective even during what is traditionally a busy time for healthcare facilities. The readiness of the health sector provides an essential safety net for all who will be celebrating across the state.
Transportation hubs throughout Anambra are operating under improved management structures. The Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri continues to experience increased activity, while major motor parks such as Upper Iweka, Ekwulobia Terminal, Solution Park at Aroma, and Unizik Junction now exhibit more orderly loading patterns. Traffic officers have been strategically deployed to reduce bottlenecks, resulting in smoother transit operations across major routes.
The tourism sector has also received renewed attention. Hotels such as Golden Tulip Krypton Villa Hotel and Suites, Vegas Astoria, and entertainment venues like Drinks.com are experiencing heightened activity, benefiting from the enabling environment created by the Soludo’s administration. Cultural and recreational sites including the Solution Fun City, Agulu Lake, and the newly opened Anambra Country Club have undergone environmental improvements in preparation for increased visitor traffic. The recently established Ikenga Mall represents another significant addition to the state’s commercial and leisure infrastructure, offering residents and visitors an enhanced shopping experience.
Communities across Anambra are organising a rich array of cultural festivals, carol nights, and end-of-year celebrations. The state government has complemented these grassroots efforts by organising a comprehensive events calendar branded ‘Onwa Dezemba,’ which extends into the first week of January and promises a diverse range of activities for all demographics.
What distinguishes this Christmas season in Anambra is beyond the individual improvements across various sectors by Governor Soludo. It is also the collective atmosphere of readiness that permeates daily life throughout the state. The coordinated efforts of ministries, agencies, businesses, and local communities reflect a unified commitment to ensuring a festive period characterised by peace, organisation, and enjoyment. From food vendors to transport workers, from market women to young people decorating public spaces, from families preparing their homes to businesses expanding their services, there is a palpable sense that Anambra is prepared to welcome its own.
For the thousands returning home from across Nigeria and abroad, the message is clear and welcoming: come home with confidence, and come to enjoy. The state stands ready, in infrastructure, in security, in healthcare, in commerce, and in spirit, to provide the foundation for a truly memorable celebration.
As our families reunite and communities gather to mark this special season, Anambra State under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s leadership offers not just the promise of festivities but the assurance of safety, accessibility, and prosperity. May this Christmas be one of the most peaceful and beautiful the state has experienced in years.
Ndi Anambra, Merry Christmas!