CHRISTIAN ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming Anambra State into a global industrial hub, declaring that the state is “in a haste” to build a new, sustainable society.
The Governor made these remarks at the Light House, Awka, during a courtesy visit by the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot.
The meeting focused on strategic partnerships, infrastructure, and the urgent need for international collaboration to tackle the state’s existential environmental threats.
Welcoming the EU envoy, Governor Soludo described Anambra as the “Light of the Nation” and the strategic gateway to the South East. He unveiled the State’s ambitious plans for a “New Industrial City” and a pioneering Aerotropolis, among others, designed to position the state as a key player in West African commerce.
The Governor revealed that a comprehensive rail master plan has been completed. “The plan is there, waiting for huge funding opportunities,” Soludo stated, noting that the administration is looking toward the EU Marshall Plan as a potential model for effective development financing.
In a sobering moment, the Governor highlighted the environmental crisis facing the state. He described flooding and gully erosion, not merely as challenges, but as “existential” encumbrances that threaten the very geography of Anambra.
“Green is the way to go here,” Soludo emphasized. “We must mainstream it, though it requires heavy funding. It is no longer an option; it is a necessity for our survival.”
In a departure from traditional aid-seeking rhetoric, Governor Soludo clarified that Anambra is looking for business partners rather than humanitarian handouts, highlighting the need for Seaport Development by urgently dredging the Onitsha Seaport, which has been officially designated as a Port of Origin, and leveraging the state’s abundant gas reserves by constructing a 50-kilometer pipeline to power industrial hubs.
Governor Soludo recalled his decision to pull out of the World Bank NG-Cares program upon assuming office, stating, “We need aid, but not at all cost. We are ready with the briefcase for business, not just asking for charity.”
Reflecting on his personal connection to the region’s intellectual legacy, Ambassador Mignot highlighted the influence of literary giant Chinua Achebe. He expressed his pleasure that the state’s international airport serves as a monument to the icon’s memory.
“The influence of notable figures like Chinua Achebe has long shaped my perception of this region,” Mignot remarked. “It is truly delightful to see the state’s international airport named in his honor, reflecting a deep respect for cultural and intellectual heritage.”
A cornerstone of the visit was the introduction of the Global Gateway Strategy, the EU’s ambitious framework for fostering smart, clean, and secure connections worldwide. The Ambassador noted that state governments are the “primary engines” of national growth.
“Central to my visit is the introduction of the Global Gateway Strategy,” the Ambassador stated. “This is the EU’s blueprint for boosting secure links in digital, energy, and transport sectors. We believe that state governments are the essential engines that drive national development.”
The discussions covered a wide array of cooperative efforts, ranging from logistical infrastructure to social governance, just as the Ambassador specifically lauded Governor Soludo’s administration for its commitment to gender parity.
“The EU has long been a strong partner of Nigeria,” Mignot emphasized. “We must strengthen these partnerships not only in Africa but globally. I am particularly impressed by the Governor’s dedication to gender inclusion and the active involvement of diverse voices in governance.”
The visit also coincided with the Founder’s Day convocation ceremony at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU), where the Ambassador would serve as the keynote speaker.
The Vice Chancellor of COOU, Professor Kate Omenugha, introduced the delegation and underscored the university’s alignment with the state’s environmental goals.
“Our institution is proud to host this ceremony at a time when the environment has become a top priority,” Professor Omenugha noted. “The present administration’s focus on environmental sustainability is one of the key issues we are actively pursuing through our academic and community initiatives.”
The visit which was attended by Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Ben Nwankwo, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Barrister Joachin Anaeto, concluded with a commitment from the EU delegation to explore areas of technical cooperation, particularly in sustainable development and environmental mitigation, as Anambra continues its aggressive push toward becoming a modern, livable mega-city.