PAUL NWOSU, PhD
His Excellency, Chief Willie Maduabuchi Obiano, former Governor of Anambra State, has congratulated the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on the occasion of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a goodwill message marking the anniversary, Chief Obiano commended President Tinubu for having the courage to undertake difficult economic reforms where others had either prevaricated or shied away for political reasons.
He acknowledged that the reforms have come with considerable pains for Nigerians but noted that they were well-intentioned and are beginning to yield the desired results, with the potential to set the country firmly on the path of sustainable economic growth and progress.
Chief Obiano particularly noted that the South-East has never had it so good in terms of federal attention and development initiatives, pointing to the establishment and operationalisation of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) by the Tinubu administration, with the ambitious target of building a $200 billion regional economy by 2035.
He also cited the approval for the establishment of the South-East Investment Corporation, with a N150 billion capital base, as another significant intervention capable of unlocking investment and accelerating economic development across the region.
According to him, the President’s determination to expand and modernise infrastructure in the South-East is equally evident in the approval of $3 billion for the broader 2,044-kilometre Eastern Rail Line, as well as major ongoing and planned road projects.
These include the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, Enugu-Port Harcourt Road, the access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, particularly Sections 2A and 2B covering parts of Delta and Anambra states, and the ongoing rehabilitation of the iconic old Niger Bridge.
He further noted that the Federal Government’s plans to upgrade ports for larger vessels would also benefit the Onitsha River Port, strengthening its potential as a major commercial gateway for the region.
Chief Obiano expressed optimism that these interventions, when fully implemented, would stimulate trade, investment, job creation and industrial activity across the South-East.
He therefore urged Ndi Igbo and all Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the government’s development efforts, stressing that the true measure of the reforms would be their ability to translate into sustainable prosperity and improved living standards.
He wished President Tinubu, the Federal Government and Nigerians a peaceful Independence Anniversary, while expressing hope that the years ahead would usher in a more prosperous, united and economically stronger Nigeria.