By Izuchukwu Adichie
It is often said that leadership is about empathy. It is about seeing the world through the eyes of those one serves. Soludo’s recent visit to Orumba South was not just a routine inspection; it was a masterclass in empathetic leadership, blended with purposeful action, and confidence in the potential of Ndi Anambra. Dressed in his casual simple attire, he toured communities in the local government as a leader resolute in his mission to listen, learn, elevate, and unleash hope within the local area, even in the face of prevailing security challenges that his administration is fighting head-on.
The day commenced with a stop before the bustling Ogbunka market, where he was warmly welcomed by enthusiastic pupils from various public schools along the way. These children expressed their gratitude for the employment of 8,155 qualified teachers, the introduction of free quality education, and the significant upgrades to their educational facilities. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as he made his way to Ogbunka Market Square, where he engaged deeply with the residents, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively toward fostering peace, enhancing security, and driving economic prosperity. The community’s joy was palpable as they expressed their appreciation for the construction of the Ufuma-Ogbunka road, which had been notoriously impassable since the creation of the community.
At Owerri-Ezukala, Soludo continued his outreach by engaging with a diverse group of traders, artisans, farmers, and residents. He paused for a heartfelt conversation with a well-known akara seller, affectionately nicknamed "Akara boy," who candidly shared the mounting challenges he faced due to rising costs of beans and groundnut oil, alongside the urgent need for rehabilitation of his shop. For Soludo, empowering the "Akara boy" was far from mere charity—it signified an investment in his entrepreneurial pursuits, dreams, and, by extension, the future of Anambra. His swift decision to support the young businessman with a generous grant of N500 hundred thousand naira sent waves of astonishment through the crowd, not just for the financial aid but for the empathy and understanding it embodied.
In Nkwo Umunze, amidst a joyful crowd, Soludo showcased his remarkable ability to transform community lacks into tangible solutions. He announced an essential infrastructure project that would see the construction of a road linking the St. Augustine Rest Assured Hotel to the Community High School and the Umunze Ultra-Modern Market. This initiative promises to significantly enhance mobility for residents and visitors, connecting Umunze to the Umuchu Bye-Pass Road. As part of the visit, he took the time to tour the local market, interacting with petty traders and local farmers, further solidifying his commitment to grassroots engagement.
The governor’s visit also highlighted his administration’s ambitious plans for the local communities, recognizing the resilience of the populace in the face of security challenges. He applauded their determination to create a liveable and prosperous environment and unveiled visionary plans aimed at developing notable attraction sites like the Owerre-Ezukala waterfall, alongside the iconic Ogbunike cave. These initiatives are designed to boost tourism, generate job opportunities, and stimulate substantial economic growth within the state.
What truly defined the day, however, was Soludo’s authentic humility. He made it a point to greet schoolchildren, share light-hearted moments with the elders, engage enthusiastically with petty traders and artisans, and even join the youth in dance while championing the importance of skill acquisition and a safe and secure state. His heartfelt declaration, “You are the reason I’m here,” resonated deeply, as he emphasized, “Anambra’s greatness will be written by your hands, not mine.”
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Soludo took his leave from Orumba South with a poignant promise: “This is not a one-day wonder. We will return, we will deliver, and together, we will transform Orumba into a shining model of progress.” His visit was more than a momentary encounter—it served as a beacon of hope, reigniting their belief in a government that sees, hears, and actively champions their cause. The spirit of Ndi Orumba remains steadfast as the government continues its efforts to combat crime from its foundation.