Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Monday, named the newly-commissioned Nteje- Umueri road leading to Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, after his immediate past Governor, Willie Obiano.
The new road named, “Willie Obiano Boulevard”, stands as a monumental tribute to the former governor, whom Soludo described as “a man who did his best” for Anambra and who deserves to be remembered and honoured for his numerous contributions to the state’s development.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Governor Soludo said the event was more than symbolic, adding that the naming of the road after ex-Gov Obiano is a message of unity, maturity in leadership, and a sincere gesture of continuity that celebrates those who have contributed to the growth of Anambra.
“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,” Governor Soludo stated.
Describing leadership as a relay and not a competition, the Governor emphasized that governance must be about building on the legacies of the past while charting new courses for the future.
He stressed that he is not in office for accolades or personal glorification, but to fulfil the mandate he voluntarily applied for—to transform Anambra into a livable and prosperous homeland for all.
“To me, the state is one constituency. Therefore, everyone and every area must be carried along. We 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 said.
Paying glowing tribute to Chief Willie Obiano, Governor Soludo particularly lauded his vision and courage in initiating landmark projects such as the International Convention Center (ICC), Awka, and the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri—both of which he described as transformational infrastructures that have redefined the outlook of the state.
The Governor likened the newly-named Willie Obiano Boulevard to Bill Clinton Drive that leads to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, describing it as “a fitting and well-deserved tribute to a man who dared to dream and deliver.”
He explained the gesture was part of a broader commitment to recognize and preserve the legacies of past leaders who left positive footprints in the sands of Anambra’s history.
Present at the occasion included the Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Ikenna Ofodeme; Deputy Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief Chinedu Nwoye;.
Otbers are former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chinedu Obidigwe; former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor; Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters and Community Affairs, Chief TonyCollins Nwabunwanne; Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka among others.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama