Awka, Anambra State – A recent statement by Governor Chukwuma Soludo during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Anambra State, suggesting that “the last time a president visited for a commissioning was in 2012 for a brewery,” has stirred considerable debate and drawn sharp corrections from citizens. Many view the remark as a continuation of a perceived pattern of political attacks aimed at his predecessor, Mr. Peter Obi.

 

As a concerned citizen, who has diligently followed the state’s trajectory over the years, it becomes imperative to set the historical record straight and counter what appears to be a misrepresentation of facts.

 

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The assertion by Governor Soludo not only overlooks significant presidential engagements but also, inadvertently, de-markets the impressive strides and economic triggers made in Anambra State during previous administrations.

 

President Goodluck Jonathan’s Engagements (Peter Obi’s Tenure):

Contrary to the singular focus on a brewery, President Goodluck Jonathan made at least two significant visits to Anambra State during Mr. Peter Obi’s governorship, commissioning a wide array of projects that were pivotal to the state’s economic and infrastructural development:

 

In 2012, President Jonathan commissioned:
* Orient Petroleum Oil: A landmark achievement signifying Anambra’s entry into the league of oil-producing states, a critical boost to its economic landscape.

• SABMiller Brewery: While indeed commissioned, it was one of several major projects.

• Orange Drugs Company: A significant private sector investment, contributing to industrial growth and job creation.

• Krisoral Company: Another key industrial player, demonstrating the state’s appeal to investors.

• Onitsha Inland Port: A vital project aimed at enhancing trade and transportation, alleviating pressure on roads, and boosting commercial activities in the region.

• 8-lane Onitsha Head Bridge Enugu Onitsha Expressway to Umunya with new parts bridge Nkpor: A massive infrastructural upgrade that drastically improved connectivity and eased traffic flow.

 

In 2010, President Jonathan also commissioned:
* Anambra State University Teaching Hospital: A crucial development for healthcare delivery and medical education in the state.

• Anambra State Secretariat: A significant governmental infrastructure project.

• Kenneth Dike Library: Enhancing educational resources and promoting intellectual development.

• Anambra State Emergency Management Complex: Strengthening the state’s disaster response capabilities.

• Parental Drugs Factory of Juhel Pharmaceutical Industries: A testament to the growth of the pharmaceutical sector.

• Numerous roads and bridges, including Zik’s Avenue Awka to Nkpor road and Bridges: Key infrastructure facilitating movement and economic activities.

• The National Agency for Food, Drug, Administration and Control (NAFDAC)’s upgraded ultra-modern area quality control laboratory, at Agulu, Anambra State: A significant boost to public health and product quality control.

 

President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Visit (Peter Obi’s Era):

Prior to President Jonathan’s visits, President Olusegun Obasanjo also visited Anambra State in 2006/2007 during Governor Peter Obi’s first term. Among the projects he commissioned were:
* Onitsha Business Park: A strategic initiative aimed at boosting commerce and industry in the region.

• Revenue House in Awka: Established to improve the state’s revenue collection processes.

• Anambra State Fire Service Headquarters in Awka: Built to enhance emergency response capabilities.

• Flagging off of Awka-Nibo-Nise-Enugwu Ukwu ring road: A foundational step for major road infrastructure.

 

A Missed Opportunity for Marketing the State:

It is disheartening to note that during a high-profile visit by the President of the Federal Republic, the opportunity to effectively market Anambra State and highlight its immense potential was seemingly overshadowed by a debatable historical claim. As the chief salesman of the state, the Governor’s focus should ideally be on showcasing achievements and attracting further investments, rather than engaging in pronouncements that detract from the state’s true progress.

 

The detailed record of presidential visits and commissioned projects under previous administrations clearly demonstrates a consistent trajectory of development and federal engagement in Anambra State, far beyond the scope of a single brewery. It is crucial for public discourse to be anchored in verifiable facts, especially when discussing matters of state development and history.