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Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State unveiling the Willie Obiano Boulevard.
The Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has named the road leading to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, after his predecessor, Willie Obiano.
Soludo, who announced this during the commissioning of the road on Monday, said the road named “Willie Obiano Boulevard” was in honour of the former governor and recognition of legacy.
While addressing the gathering, the governor described the event as a “unique commissioning”, considering the calibre of people present.
Soludo lauded the former governor’s efforts during his tenure, particularly in initiating the airport project and constructing the International Convention Centre in Awka.
He compared the naming of the road to that of the “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.
He said, “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 immortalised.
“This gesture is more than symbolic, and it is a message of unity, continuity and respect for those who contributed to Anambra’s development.
“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.”
The governor further pointed out the inclusive developmental model of his administration, recalling his visits and interventions in neglected regions of the state, particularly the northern axis.
“We must recognise that the North has the largest land mass but lacks heavily in infrastructure; that is the reason I started work there, especially in Okpoko.”
“A few weeks ago, we returned to Okpoko to commission what we have done—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,” he added.
Recounting his emotional experience when he first visited Enugu-Otu, Aguleri, the governor, added, “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.”
The commissioning, held at the gateway to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, House of Assembly members, community leaders, and political stakeholders from across Anambra State.
Stakeholders from Oyi and Anambra East—including traditional rulers, legislators, and the local government chairman—showered praises on Soludo for his inclusive governance style and for recognising the contributions of his predecessor.
The traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, thanked the governor 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.
