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It was a convergence of Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, sons and daughters, of the State as they gather in Lagos to discuss Anambra Homeland Consciousness, emphasising the need for indigenes to invest in their homeland and contribute to its development.

The event with the theme, “Anambra Homeland Consciousness Initiative: A Time for Insightful Conversation”, was organized by    Anambra State Liaison Office, (ANSLO), Lagos, in collaboration with Anambra Internal Revenue Services, (AIRS), Awka.

The Anambra Homeland Consciousness Initiative is designed to strengthen the bond between indigenes of the State, harness their collective resources and create pathways for sustainable development in Anambra State. It is also aimed to promote a sense of community responsibility and boost economic development.

Speaking during the event, Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo, called for increased investments from indigenes of the State living in Lagos.

                       

He said that time had come for indigenes living in Lagos to collaborate with his government to make the State an investment haven for both local and foreign investors.

Prof Soludo urged well-meaning indigenes living in Lagos to come together to shape the future for a greater Anambra State, saying that business hubs need to be built and boomtowns created, so as to stimulate the influx of foreign capital.

He opined that this will not only give them a sense of pride but also make the State a much sought-after investment destination by non-indigenes and foreigners.

Enumerating his achievements for three years, the Governor said his administration has enhanced the State through the delivery of several infrastructure projects.

Prof Soludo said his administration awarded and flagged off 700kilometers of roads in 21 Local Government Areas of the State, with 400kilometers set for commissioning j, just as another 400 kilometers of roads have been rehabilitated through the zero-pothole initiative.

He added that the flyover bridge construction at the Ekwulobia inter-section of two Federal Highways is underway, showcasing commitment to improved connectivity, while the dual carriage ways at the Ekwulobia-Agulu-Uga and Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi are under construction to give fast connectivity to different parts of the State.

On education he informed that the State was taking the lead, as his administration had employed more teachers, ending the era of school without teachers.

Speaking on health, Soludo intimated that his government has built four new general hospitals, renovated several others and employed more medical personnel.

Commenting on Agriculture, the Governor informed that the expansion of palm, coconut, ukwa, bitter kola and pawpaw farming have stimulated a unique agricultural revolution similar to late Dr Michael Okpara’s era in the eastern region, saying that the revival of these  crops have created a value chain that is birthing new industries in the state.

The Governor said his government has been able to check insecurity throughout the State. He urged the people to be positive about the State, adding that security was gradually returning.

Commenting on Agunechemba, he said that their efforts and exploits have been paying off and pledged to do more by deploying technology to rid the State of bad boys.

The Governor condemned native doctors in the State who mislead the youth on wealth without work.

Prof Soludo noted that the Homeland Security Law 2025, which he signed into law recently, provides a framework for community and citizens’ ownership and participation in sustainable security and social re-engineering.

Governor Soludo, who was recently honoured with the SUN Governor of the Year 2024, mentioned that Awka 2.0 is available for investors with a structured timeline for development.

In his brief remarks the Chairman of Anambra State Internal Revenue Services, (AIRS), Dr Greg Ezeilo, mentioned that the State’s IGR has witnessed significant increase under his leadership.

According to him the IGR grew from N2 billion to N3 billion monthly, reaching N5.5 billion as at September 2024, with a target of N10 billion before his tenure ends.

Dr Ezeilo noted the reduction of touts, improved security and seamless tax payment through Transpay technology, as key reforms have enhanced Anambra’s ease of doing business.