Governor Chukwuma Soludo has commissioned the road leading to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, and announced its renaming to “Willie Obiano Boulevard” in honour of his immediate predecessor.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Soludo while speaking during the commissioning, held at the gateway to the Chinua Achebe International Airport, described the event as “a unique commissioning, considering the calibre of people present.
The Governor emphasized that the gesture was more than symbolic and that it was a message of unity, continuity, and respect for those who contributed to Anambra’s development.
Soludo further explained the inclusive developmental model of his administration, recalling his visits and interventions in neglected regions of the state, particularly the northern axis.
“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.”
“We must recognize that the North, which has the largest land mass but lacks heavily in infrastructure, is the reason I started work there, particularly in Okpoko,” he noted.
“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.”
Soludo recounted his emotional experience when he first visited Enugu-Otu, Aguleri.
“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 climax of the event was the honour bestowed on Chief Willie Obiano.
Soludo lauded the former governor’s efforts during his tenure, particularly in initiating the airport project and constructing the International Convention Center (ICC) in Awka.
“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.”
He compared the naming of the road to “Willie Obiano Boulevard” to the famed “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.
Governor Soludo ended with a powerful message: “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.”
