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Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has urged the South-East Development Commission to prioritise the construction of a regional railway linking the five states in the geopolitical zone, emphasising its economic benefits.
Soludo made the call during a State Executive Council meeting in Awka while bidding farewell to Mark Okoye, the former Managing Director of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, who has been appointed as the pioneer MD/CEO of SEDC.
A statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Tuesday, quoted Soludo as reaffirming the state government’s support for the commission and stressing the need for large-scale infrastructure projects that would drive economic integration in the region.
The statement read, “At its fourth meeting held on February 24, the Anambra State Executive Council bade farewell to Mark Okoye, now the pioneer MD/CEO of the South-East Development Commission.
“Governor Soludo assured him of the state’s full backing and charged the commission to prioritise key projects, particularly a regional railway that connects all five South-East states, given its immense economic potential.”
The council also threw its weight behind the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control’s efforts to rid markets of counterfeit and expired drugs.
It called on the agency to fast-track its inspection and verification processes while assuring full government support.
The statement further noted that the state government was committed to completing the Anambra State Pharmaceutical Hub, also known as the Coordinated Wholesale Drug Centre, in Oba as part of measures to combat the circulation of fake drugs.
Soludo also charged communities to collaborate with the government in tackling insecurity.
The council expressed appreciation to Ndi Anambra for supporting new security measures and reassured traditional worshippers that the crackdown on fetish practices would not undermine indigenous religious beliefs.
The council reaffirmed its resolve to stamp out fake native doctors who promote wealth without work and cautioned against the continued sale of fetish products such as Oke-Ite.
Meanwhile, the council approved several key contracts, including the reconstruction and reinforcement of the perimeter fence at the Commissioners’ Quarters, Awka, awarded to Aristan Developers Ltd at a cost of ₦57.5 million.
It also approved the construction of two NR model gates at general hospitals, along with landscaping, interlocking, and fencing of the Enugwu-Otu Aguleri Hospital compound, awarded to Daluchukwu & Bros Impex Ltd for ₦310.7 million.
The repainting and renovation of the VIP stand was awarded to KUV Homes & Properties at a cost of ₦107.1 million, while flood and gully erosion control at the Cosmetics Market was awarded to Acode Energy Services Ltd for ₦188.1 million.
The state government reiterated its commitment to infrastructural development and assured residents of continued efforts to enhance economic growth and security in Anambra.
