Soludo names Anambra Airport road after Ex Gov Obiano

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By Madu Obi

Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has commissioned the road leading to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, and named it “Willie Obiano Boulevard” in honour of his predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano.

The governor described the event as unique, emphasizing that the gesture was more than symbolic as it conveyed message of unity, continuity, and respect for those who contributed to Anambra’s development.

“Today, we celebrate one of our own—Chief Willie Obiano. He did his best. The airport, the ICC, and many other legacies. We must appreciate him and send a message, not only to him, but to all past governors of Anambra State. They must be appreciated and immortalized.

I don’t really need to be thanked because I am doing what I applied to do. Doing what has not been done and improving what has already been done, the philosophy remains one state, one people, one agenda.

No one should be left behind. To me, the state is one constituency. Therefore, everyone and every area must be carried along.

“lWe are building Anambra and its children for the future. Let history remember that we honoured our heroes, united our people, and laid a foundation that could not be shaken", he stated.

Explaining the inclusive developmental model of his administration, the governor recalled his visits and interventions in neglected regions of the state, particularly the northern senatorial zone.

He added: “We must recognize that the North, which has the largest land mass but lacks heavily in infrastructure, is the reason I started work there, particularly in Okpoko.

A few weeks ago, we returned to Okpoko to commission what we have done and they include projects that give people life. The same applies to Olumbanasa, where no governor had ever visited before. Now, we are opening up that axis with planned connection roads to Eziagulu-Otu, Mkpumnando, and others."

“I cried publicly when I went to Enugu-Otu for the first time. Past governments may have ignored it due to the difficult terrain, but that must change. We are working to ensure that no part of Anambra is left behind.

"Soludo lauded the former governor’s efforts during his tenure, particularly in initiating the airport project and constructing the International Convention Center (ICC) in Awka.

He compared the naming of the road to “Willie Obiano Boulevard” to the famed “Bill Clinton Drive” leading to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing it as a fitting tribute to a man who dared to dream and deliver.

Stakeholders from Oyi and Anambra East—including traditional rulers, legislators, and the Mayor—showered praises on Soludo for his inclusive governance style and for recognizing the contributions of his predecessor.

Igwe Ben Emeka, the traditional ruler of Umueri, thanked Governor Soludo for completing the road and other impactful projects, and passionately appealed for the extension of road infrastructure to link Anambra East, Ayamelum, and Anambra West to the airport..

Igwe P.N. Anugwu, the traditional ruler of Ukwalla and Chairman of the Anambra North Traditional Rulers’ Council, also commended the governor and pleaded for the ongoing Anambra West road to be extended beyond Nzam to the remote Olumbanasa communities.

Similarly, Hon Obiora Nweke, representing Anambra East in the Anambra State House of Assembly, and Hon. Innocent Ojike, representing Oyi Constituency, expressed their appreciation to the governor for siting key developmental projects in Anambra North, saying it reflects a balanced and inclusive administration.