Soludo Inaugurates Community-Built Road in Umueri, Urges Wealthy Citizens to Invest in Public Good
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Saturday commissioned the 1.2-kilometre Nzegwu Okoye Road in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, in a move aimed at promoting community-driven infrastructure development and encouraging private citizens to take ownership of public projects.
The road project was fully funded and executed by the traditional ruler of Umueri, Igwe Ben Emeka, under the state government’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) model, which seeks to complement government efforts through citizen-led initiatives.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Soludo described community impact as the new benchmark for leadership and prestige, stressing that sustainable development thrives when citizens actively participate in improving their immediate environment.
He said the newly commissioned road would improve movement within the community, stimulate commercial activities, and contribute to the overall quality of life of residents.
“Rather than waiting solely for government intervention, the ‘Anambra Spirit’ thrives when individuals take ownership of their environment.
The sense of community is the foundation for the progress of Anambra,” the governor said.
He added that the project reflects his administration’s philosophy of shared responsibility in governance, noting that the state would continue to recognise and support individuals who invest in public infrastructure.
“We praised the monarch’s gesture as a perfect alignment with the administration’s philosophy. In a move to encourage further private, community investment in public infrastructure, the state government is making a pledge for citizens ready to step up.
Once you build it, I’ll come and commission it,” Soludo stated.
The governor also challenged affluent citizens in the state to redirect their resources toward projects that deliver lasting value to communities, rather than focusing on symbolic displays of wealth.
“By following Igwe Emeka’s lead, citizens become active partners in governance, ensuring that development is not just government-owned but people-owned,” he added.
In his remarks, Igwe Emeka said the Nzegwu Okoye Road would serve as a catalyst for economic growth and ease transportation challenges in the area, while expressing appreciation to the governor for personally commissioning the project.
The Umueri road adds to a growing list of community-supported infrastructure projects in Anambra State. Governor Soludo had earlier commissioned a five-kilometre road in Aguata Local Government Area, constructed by an indigene of Ezinifite, Chief Anthony Obele, also under the PPCP framework.
Both projects underscore the Soludo administration’s push for collaborative governance, where government, private individuals, and host communities jointly drive development across the state.
