By Michael Ovat -Awka
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State led the state in commemorating Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary at a solemn interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, on Sunday.
Leading with a profound sense of sober reflection, Governor Soludo addressed the congregation by expressing deep condolences over the unfortunate demise of Success Ezenwafor, who tragically lost his life during a recent flooding incident in the state. Highlighting that such a tragedy could happen to anyone, the Governor stressed that this heartbreaking event underscores why the issue of personal responsibility is so vital.
The Governor focused heavily on the escalating threat of flooding and gully erosion, describing the environment as Anambra’s number one existential threat and noting that the state remains the gully erosion capital of Africa, if not the world. He stated that the government has expended tens of billions of naira without significantly scratching the surface of the problem, emphasizing that collective action must begin with individual choices.
Governor Soludo therefore urged citizens to contain water running off from their compounds, refrain from blocking drainages, plant trees, and clean the drainage systems. Praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of Success Ezenwafor, he urged the public to use the tragedy as a catalyst to take personal responsibility for the environment, reiterating that everyone has a role to play because this country is our own and we have no other.
Reflecting more broadly on the state of the nation, Governor Soludo noted that while leaders have come and gone and significant progress has been made—such as growing from only two universities in Nigeria at independence in 1960 to about ten universities in Anambra alone today—there is still a long way to go. While expressing his optimism, he described the nation as a glass half full rather than half empty. The Governor further maintained that there should be no complaints or excuses as his administration continues to work hard to keep Anambra rising and fulfill its contract to the people. He called on citizens to stop reading the book of lamentation and instead take an oath of personal responsibility on a daily basis to make the country and state great.
Delivering a sermon with the theme: “From Bondage to Freedom, God’s Purpose for Nigeria,” the Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, emphasized that true independence goes far beyond the mere raising of flags and is fundamentally about allowing a people to determine what they want. Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66-year journey through various political transitions, the cleric observed that while governments change and leaders come and go, the nation endures, stressing that individuals in leadership must be accountable for governance and strive to do their absolute best during their time in office.
Addressing the nation’s trajectory, Archbishop Ibezim lamented that the robust agricultural boom enjoyed prior to independence has significantly waned. However, he maintained a message of strong optimism, asserting that Nigeria has not failed as a nation, and urged citizens to speak well of the country, bless it, and “brighten the corner where you are,” reminding the congregation that a bad person in the village cannot be a good person in the country. The Archbishop specifically lauded the current Anambra State administration under Governor Soludo for its visible strides in infrastructure, healthcare, security, and human capital development, encouraging the government to sustain its momentum for legacy’s sake. He concluded by reminding the congregation that Nigeria is a nation still under divine construction, and with ultimate hope placed in God Almighty, the building will be completed.
The solemn service drew a high-powered state delegation and dignitaries, including the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Nonye Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Secretary to Anambra State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake; Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Iwouno; alongside mayors, members of the State Executive Council, members of the State House of Assembly, and Security Commanders, among others.
