There is a
palpable sense of expectation in Anambra State. The surreal feeling can be felt
in the renewed spring in the stride of Ndi Anambra everywhere you find them in
the surface of the earth, irrespective of political affiliations. It is a sense
of pride and fulfilment borne out of the people’s re-discovery and belief in
their state’s growth and prospects. In a re-enactment of Charles Dickens’ Great
Expectations, there is a new found ‘can do spirit’ enveloping the heartland of
the Igbo race. In the street parlance of the yuppies, it is called ‘swag’.
The
evidence is there to behold by the discerning. How could anyone miss the evolving
phenomenon – the gradual return of the exciting times across Anambra State?
Though still muted, it literarily hits you once you cross the Niger Bridge
approaching Upper Iweka axis. In fact, the feeling is gradually sipping across
the state like kerosene flowing on a path paved with gravel. Indeed, a sense of
the return of the good times is percolating the state and is set to burst to
the surface in due course, all thanks to the Willie effect.
Undoubtedly
the groundwork for the Willie effect was laid after former Governor Peter Obi,
having steered the ship of state to safe waters after eight years, called on Ndi
Anambra to embrace Chief Obiano’s governorship candidacy. Even then, some never
gave the man a chance. But once he rolled out a well-thought out strategic
Economic Blueprint hinged on “Anambra Wheels of Development” that is anchored
on four Pillars – Agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Oil and Gas and
Industrialisation – he ran a successful issues-based election campaign which
permeated the domains of his opponents with the clamour “Willie will…work!” Subsequently
as the election date drew closer, Obiano became known as ‘Hurricane Willie!’ And
in response, Anambra voted en mass for “CONTINUITY” thereby endorsing a legacy
of excellent service.
Thus coming
into office mid-March 2014, Governor Obiano hit the ground running, creating his
governorship footprints during his first week in office without breaking stride
to the chagrin of those who never gave him a chance, and the delight of others
who believed in his credentials as a technocrat and manager of men and
resources. No wonder in six months, the Willie effect has moved Anambra forward
placing the state on the cusp of greater things in the days and months ahead.
Lest the Willie
effect is perceived as mere hot air, it is important that we take a peek into some
of the triggers that may have created the virtual effect on Ndi Anambra. Before
coming into office, Chief Obiano crafted a vision that underscores his
philosophy of a new direction for Anambra: To become the first choice
investment destination and a hub for industrial and commercial activities. The
vision envisages a quantum leap in the state’s economic status through the Four
Pillars of Development. However, on realising that achieving the vision and
economic objectives is contingent on having a secure and stable state; Governor
Obiano fast forwarded his security initiatives leading to the birth of “Operation
Kpochapu.” Today, sanity that has long
eluded Onitsha with long spells of security challenges has disappeared; the
Upper Iweka axis is now secure and serene beckoning on all who cross the
eastern gateway to see more.
Governor
Obiano is obviously an advocate of John Quincy Adams who said, “If your actions
inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a
leader.” As a path-way to inspire and re-awaken the latent spirit of enterprise
and industry of Ndi Anambra, Governor Obiano decided to tap into the cultural
base of the people to create a new symbol that would hold aloft the spirit of
Anambra. Enter the new Coat of Arms, a Flag and an Anthem aptly titled, ‘The
Spirit of Anambra’ which was unveiled on June 25, 2014 to great applause and
appreciation of many on the commemoration of his first 100 days in office. Any
wonder then why there has been a gradual upswing in self-esteem and belief in
the state’s potentials.
It is no
longer news that Anambra State has one of the best internal road networks,
thanks to Governor Obi’s stewardship. What is new however is that Obiano is
expanding the road networks based on economic needs. Roads leading to
agricultural and industrial belts of Anambra are receiving priority attention.
In the same vein, Awka, the state capital, is getting due attention with legacy
projects like the Three-Arms zone and three fly-over bridges expected on
completion to improve traffic flow and change the face of the capital city by
the second quarter of 2015.
Gradually,
various institutions of governance are coming on stream. If the setting up of
the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACDA) is a statement of the intent by Governor
Obiano for the capital city, the Anambra Investment Promotion and Protection
Agency (ANSIPPA) is an affirmation of his determination and drive to improve
the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). It is also to boost the
confidence and reassure many core-investors waiting on the wings with ANSIPPA’s
armada of incentives that Anambra is ready for business. How can one forget the
recent moves by Governor Obiano to revamp the state’s information dissemination
machinery with the appointment of young dynamic managing directors for the
Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) and the state newspaper the National Light,
and the digitisation programmes and equipment of ABS? Some of these initiatives have tended to
increase the perception of Governor Obiano as a man of action and has unwittingly
re-energised the waning worker confidence in the state public sector.
You cannot
successfully discuss the Willie effect on Ndi Anambra in six months without
looking at his programme for the youths. In fact, one of Governor Obiano’s
major headaches is on how to effectively engage this active segment of the
populace. You do not come to him with a programme without clearly defining the
youth component. Already, he is building
a database of unengaged youths in all Local Government Areas, implementation of
skills acquisition programmes is under-way in the three senatorial districts,
while the state’s mechanised agricultural programme is targeting a good number
from the pool of youthful talents. Of course, a greater number of Governor Obiano’s
aides are youths with vibrant ideas. But most importantly, ideas expounded by the
aides are complemented by the Governor’s capacity to follow-up on delegated
responsibility and ensure that deadlines are met. Many aides and contractors
attest to his ability to recall aspects of assignments at critical stages
thereby assuring performance.
Perhaps one
way to appreciate the Willie effect on Ndi Anambra in just six months is the
fact that, whereas the CONTINUITY train is running on full throttle, the
apprehension over the sustenance of the immediate past Governor’s performance
has disappeared without a trace. As he promised, Governor Obiano is undoubtedly
expanding the frontiers of excellence in Anambra by building superstructures on
Obi’s structures. Though governance race is a marathon, Ndi Anambra is
enthusiastic about the future judging from the open display of affection for
the Obiano administration in comments and actions by the people.
It is clear
that the pervasive impact of the Willie effect in six months is surely a
confirmation that the future is indeed bright. Obiano’s case for a new Anambra
is working.
No wonder,
the mantra across Anambra state and beyond is Willie is…working!
Emeka Ozumba
writes from Enugwu-Ukwu
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