Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has continued to blaze the trail in the pursuit of excellence in governance, weaving aesthetics into the tapestry of his administrative exploits as could be seen with the sudden transformation of the once notorious Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha into a breathtaking kaleidoscope colours in readiness for Christmas.
Travellers into the Eastern heartland are forced to gasp in wonder as the long stately highway that connects the Niger Bridge to Upper Iweka now explodes into a carnival of colour at night in subtle demonstration of the positive change that Governor Obiano and his team have ushered into Anambra State. On the surface of the amazing transformation of Onitsha at night is the message of Christmas. However, underneath that is the subliminal message of transformation and hope for a once troubled city that used to be the dread of benighted road travellers.
Demonstrating his resolve to drive home the inevitability of change and unveil the friendly face of the new Onitsha, Governor Obiano stormed the commercial city on Monday night to switch on the bewildering Christmas light. Accompanied by his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, the Governor performed the symbolic switching on of the Christmas lights, which also signifies the transition from an era of darkness to a much desired period of transcendental growth and prosperity.
Switching on the lights in a garden in Upper Iweka, Governor Obiano announced that with that gesture, Anambra State has opened its doors to receive here many illustrious sons and daughters who had kept away from home on account of the precarious security situation in the state in the past. He assured the cheering crowd of Onitsha residents who were surprised to see the governor and his team in the ancient city at night that his administration had made adequate security arrangements to protect the state during the Yuletide Season and beyond.
“This is the new Las Vegas of Nigeria” Governor Obiano declared, pointing at the amazingly transformed Upper Iweka interchange of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. “Tell your brothers and sister in the Diaspora and elsewhere to come home for Christmas. Anambra is safe enough for all of us. This Christmas will be one of the best you have ever had,” the governor assured. He also announced that his administration had made an elaborate plan to give Ndi Anambra a wow experience this Christmas starting with a special Christmas Carol night, wrestling and boxing Championships, a musical concert, male and female football tournaments and a masquerade festival.
He further explained that the Christmas decorations and special lighting would continue to adorn the streets of Onitsha and other major cities in the state till the 25th of January 2015 and appealed to landlords other residents who have buildings along major ways and strategic locations to support the efforts of the government by repainting their houses and decorating them in Christmas colours to reflect the mood of the season.
Governor Obiano also expressed satisfaction that his administration has liberated the entire state and Onitsha in particular from the claws of hoodlums and miscreants and restored night life to the city, assuring that the ongoing installation of street lights would be extended to various parts of the State. He reassured Ndi Anambra that the combined firepower of Operation Kpochapu and Operation Sheba would guarantee them a crime-free Yuletide Season and beyond.
Accompanied by his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, some members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials, the governor inspected the Christmas decorations at the Government House Awka, Recreation Parks and other parts of Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Bridge Head and DMGS roundabout, among others.
The Chairman of Onitsha North local government area, Mr. Douglas Egbuna, thanked the Governor for restoring the glory of the Commercial City and transforming it as a major gateway into the state.
A resident of the area and an APGA stalwart, Mr. Tex Okechukwu noted that for the first time the state has a responsive and people-oriented Governor who is impacting positively on the lives of the people. Mr. Okechukwu enjoined the electorate to give APGA total support.
Also, speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe, assured that youths would assist security operatives to ensure peaceful and crime-free yuletide.
In his own comment, a former Transition Committee Chairman for Dunukofia local government council, Mr. Onochie Okagbue said the Governor had provided a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive. He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts until the state has completely cast aside its many developmental challengesGovernor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has continued to blaze the trail in the pursuit of excellence in governance, weaving aesthetics into the tapestry of his administrative exploits as could be seen with the sudden transformation of the once notorious Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha into a breathtaking kaleidoscope colours in readiness for Christmas.
Travellers into the Eastern heartland are forced to gasp in wonder as the long stately highway that connects the Niger Bridge to Upper Iweka now explodes into a carnival of colour at night in subtle demonstration of the positive change that Governor Obiano and his team have ushered into Anambra State. On the surface of the amazing transformation of Onitsha at night is the message of Christmas. However, underneath that is the subliminal message of transformation and hope for a once troubled city that used to be the dread of benighted road travellers.
Demonstrating his resolve to drive home the inevitability of change and unveil the friendly face of the new Onitsha, Governor Obiano stormed the commercial city on Monday night to switch on the bewildering Christmas light. Accompanied by his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, the Governor performed the symbolic switching on of the Christmas lights, which also signifies the transition from an era of darkness to a much desired period of transcendental growth and prosperity.
Switching on the lights in a garden in Upper Iweka, Governor Obiano announced that with that gesture, Anambra State has opened its doors to receive here many illustrious sons and daughters who had kept away from home on account of the precarious security situation in the state in the past. He assured the cheering crowd of Onitsha residents who were surprised to see the governor and his team in the ancient city at night that his administration had made adequate security arrangements to protect the state during the Yuletide Season and beyond.
“This is the new Las Vegas of Nigeria” Governor Obiano declared, pointing at the amazingly transformed Upper Iweka interchange of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. “Tell your brothers and sister in the Diaspora and elsewhere to come home for Christmas. Anambra is safe enough for all of us. This Christmas will be one of the best you have ever had,” the governor assured. He also announced that his administration had made an elaborate plan to give Ndi Anambra a wow experience this Christmas starting with a special Christmas Carol night, wrestling and boxing Championships, a musical concert, male and female football tournaments and a masquerade festival.
He further explained that the Christmas decorations and special lighting would continue to adorn the streets of Onitsha and other major cities in the state till the 25th of January 2015 and appealed to landlords other residents who have buildings along major ways and strategic locations to support the efforts of the government by repainting their houses and decorating them in Christmas colours to reflect the mood of the season.
Governor Obiano also expressed satisfaction that his administration has liberated the entire state and Onitsha in particular from the claws of hoodlums and miscreants and restored night life to the city, assuring that the ongoing installation of street lights would be extended to various parts of the State. He reassured Ndi Anambra that the combined firepower of Operation Kpochapu and Operation Sheba would guarantee them a crime-free Yuletide Season and beyond.
Accompanied by his wife, Chief Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano, some members of the State Executive Council and other top government officials, the governor inspected the Christmas decorations at the Government House Awka, Recreation Parks and other parts of Upper Iweka, Onitsha, Bridge Head and DMGS roundabout, among others.
The Chairman of Onitsha North local government area, Mr. Douglas Egbuna, thanked the Governor for restoring the glory of the Commercial City and transforming it as a major gateway into the state.
A resident of the area and an APGA stalwart, Mr. Tex Okechukwu noted that for the first time the state has a responsive and people-oriented Governor who is impacting positively on the lives of the people. Mr. Okechukwu enjoined the electorate to give APGA total support.
Also, speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization, Comrade Chinedu Obidigwe, assured that youths would assist security operatives to ensure peaceful and crime-free yuletide.
In his own comment, a former Transition Committee Chairman for Dunukofia local government council, Mr. Onochie Okagbue said the Governor had provided a conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive. He urged the governor not to relent in his efforts until the state has completely cast aside its many developmental challenges
