By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has rolled out a new initiative designed to stimulate development across the various communities within the state.
The initiative, tagged “Solu Dozie Anambra,” is a Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) platform aimed at mobilizing Ndi Anambra, both at home and abroad, to contribute to infrastructural development in their various communities and beyond.
Speaking on Saturday in Awka, during a meeting with members of the Anambra State Town Union Association, ASATU (comprising the President-Generals of all the communities in the state), the State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, gave an overview of the novel initiative. She explained that the platform will enable Anambra indigenes, regardless of location, to directly participate in improving key infrastructure, especially in the areas of healthcare, education and other essential areas. She emphasized that the initiative was designed to be inclusive, allowing both large and small contributions towards these essential services.
“This is not just a government-driven project. The communities themselves will play a key role, and so will private individuals and donors, including those within and those in the diaspora,” Mrs. Nnake said.
According to her, the ‘Solu Dozie Anambra’ initiative, which already has a newly created bank account specifically dedicated for it, is transparent and secure, and offers real-time tracking of donations, as contributors can choose specific projects they wish to support in their communities — be it rehabilitation of schools, upgrading of health centers, or providing new infrastructure, among others.
While noting that both major donations and smaller contributions are all welcome, she said, “We know that many Ndị Anambra out there have the interest and zeal to contribute to the development of their communities, but not everyone has the resources to single-handedly build a school, a hospital, or other such structure. However, with a platform like this, everyone can contribute something, irrespective of how big or small. The idea is to pool resources together for the collective good.”
Explaining further, Mrs. Nnake noted that the initiative will follow a project-based approach, with each community determining its needs through a consultative process; adding that once a project is identified and funds are mobilized to cover at least 50% of the estimated cost, the government will step in to complete the funding and oversee the project’s execution. She also re-emphasized that transparency and trust are key pillars of the initiative, as donors will be able to track progress through the online platform, which will provide regular updates, including photos and videos of ongoing projects.
“Government will take full responsibility for ensuring that each completed project is functional, providing the necessary human resources and operational costs to maintain these facilities. The community’s role doesn’t end with donating funds; they will always be carried along, and will be involved in every step of the process, from monitoring the construction to ensuring the projects are secured and serve their intended purpose after completion,” Mrs. Nnake added.
Fielding questions from journalists, as to how the initiative is innovative and different from the previous administration’s “Community Choose Your Project” initiative, the Commissioner explained that the previous program was fully funded by the government, whereas “Solu Dozie Anambra” is based on collective community effort.
“This is not a continuation of the previous program, because this time we are engaging Ndi Anambra in a new way, mobilizing them from all corners of the globe to contribute directly to their communities. We are not just asking for government funds, we are involving the people — and not just the wealthy. This is about inclusion,” she clarified.
While revealing the objectives of the initiative, Mrs. Nnake listed the promotion of sustainable community development, the creation of a sense of ownership and responsibility among Ndi Anambra, as well as the enhancement of trust between the government and the governed as parts of the key goals. She also hailed the community leaders for their enthusiastic support and commitment to the initiative, noting that their involvement is crucial to its success.
She further urged them to sensitize their communities, particularly those in the diaspora, about the initiative and encourage participation; even as she also hinted that the state government hopes to officially launch the (ad infinitum) initiative before the end of 2024, with several communities already expressing interest in participating.
“This initiative belongs to everyone, and we need everyone’s participation. Whether you are in Anambra, Lagos, the US, or Europe, you can contribute to the development of your community through this platform,” she emphasized.
Commissioner Nnake also assured that special recognition and commendations will be given by the government to communities and leaders who successfully champion the implementation of this initiative in their towns, further revealing that donors’ names will be engraved on plaques at the sites of the projects they supported, as a mark of appreciation for their contributions.
Reiterating the importance of carrying the community members and leadership along in the initiative, Mrs. Nnake noted that the Traditional Rulers of the various communities would Chair the Community Implementation Team in their respective towns, comprising the President-General (PG), Women Leader, Youth Leader, Chairman of Community’s Works Committee, as well as School/Healthcare Facility Heads in the town. She also noted that there will be State Governing Council, and State Monitoring Team as part of the project governance and monitoring structure.
According to her, with the government providing the framework and Ndi Anambra providing the resources, the initiative promises to herald a new era of grassroots-driven development in the state; and will not only address pressing infrastructural needs, but also foster a renewed sense of communal responsibility and pride in the state’s progress under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration.
In a vote of thanks, the National President of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Barr. Titus Akpudo, described the initiative as noble, and further lauded Governor Soludo and the state government for its introduction, adding that it aligns with the aspirations of the town unions to foster sustainable growth across Anambra’s various communities. He also extolled the state government’s commitment to encouraging and empowering communities to take charge of their own development under strict supervision, ensuring the successful execution and performance of every project.
While also commending Commissioner Nnake for her unwavering development to the state’s developmental goals, on behalf of the Anambra President-Generals (PGs) and town unions, the ASATU President assured the Governor of their readiness to fully support and drive the initiative to success, stressing that the unions are prepared to work hand-in-hand with the government to ensure that the initiative thrives, and that every project is executed as planned for the collective good of the communities.
The event also featured questions and answers session on the initiative.
Also speaking in an interview with this reporter, the President General of Ebenator Community in Nnewi South Local Government Area, Ambassador Henry Chigozie Anadi, commended and pledged total support of the community to the Soludo Administration and its various developmental initiatives, especially at the grassroots level.
More photos from the event:
