New Telegraph

Soludo fixing infrastructure, education so future govts can focus on other areas –Mefor

Newly sworn in Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Dr Law Mefor, in an interview with Echezona Okafor highlights the vision and mission of the Solution Administration in Anambra with special emphasis on integration, re-building and awareness.

What makes Governor Soludo the solution Anambra deserves?
Governor Soludo’s legacies are enduring, and his policies have further deepened education through free education, thereby liberating Ndi Anambra. This brings us to the Igba boi phenomenon of the ’80s and ’90s. His vision for Anambra 2070 and gubernatorial manifesto as well provides a blueprint for the much needed transformation that is presently happening in the state.

Could you elaborate on Soludo’s vision for Anambra 2070…
Soludo’s vision is to make Anambra a model for other states in Nigeria. He aims to achieve this through infrastructural development, education and economic growth. With his experience and expertise, as a former Governor of CBN and his elaborate exposure, Soludo is well-equipped to drive this transformation. That is the reason he is moving away from the area many thought he would go and is doing what is needed to drive growth in the state.

How is Soludo transforming Anambra’s infrastructure?
Soludo is building roads with a 20-50 year lifespan, connecting every local government in Anambra. He’s also setting up internet hubs and laying broadband infrastructure for seamless connectivity. This means that governments after him will not have to worry about infrastructure decay but would rather concentrate on other sectors of the Anambra economy.

What are Soludo’s achievements in education?
Soludo’s free education policy will liberate Ndi Anambra. His administration promotes cash crops, providing improved seedlings, coconut, and palm oil seeds for a multiplier effect in the next decade. Just like what happened in Ghana, everywhere in Anambra in the coming years will boast of an economic tree that can provide ambiance to the environment and also make money for families in the state, no matter how small.
We are going to maintain fiscal sustainability in Anambra. We now rank among the top states in terms of fiscal sustainability and viability.
Governor Soludo gave the disclosure at Professor Dora Akunyili Women’s Development, Awka, while exchanging views with principals and head teachers in all public schools in the state.
This is in addition to the ongoing policy of free education for pupils from kindergarten to JSS 3.
The Governor equally directed that senior secondary students who have paid their school fees for the term should be refunded their monies.
We now have a truly free education in Anambra.
In all public schools, we should be able to guarantee that every child has access to free and qualitative education, especially to the poorest of the poor.
For those who have collected fees, refund the school fees money to the parents.
We have posted over 2000 teachers to mission schools as a way of subsidising education.
There are no smart teachers without smart schools. We are gradually upscaling technology in our schools, with the current laying of over 2000 fibre optic cables.
Because we declared truly free education for nursery, primary and JSS three pupils and students, enrolment in public schools increased by 18 percent and out-of-school children dropped by 2 percent, making Anambra the number one state with the lowest percentage of out-of-school children.
Human capital is our greatest asset. We are working to create a human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad, leaving no one behind as true progressives.
With this latest initiative, we will be putting thousands of money back to the pockets of ndi Anambra.
There are about 77 communities in Anambra without public schools so his administration is working to address the concern and provide options for ụmụ Anambra. He will continue to provide the resources for continuous learning by teachers.
Soludo has made strides in all sectors of the state economy, including recruitment of 8115 teachers, updating of the STEM education, payment for funding of UBEC, among others.
With the mission schools, we still have thousands of teachers in them, and we will continue to pay the billions to cover their salaries. That’s the way we help subsidise. If the government doesn’t pay, their fees will skyrocket.

How will these initiatives impact Anambra’s economy?
Anambra has exited non-viability and is now a viable state, recognised as the third most viable state to do business in after Lagos and Rivers. Soludo’s initiatives will make Anambra a model for states across Nigeria.
However, human capital is Anambra’s greatest asset. It is our own ‘better than oil asset.’ And our vision and mission is to create a human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad, to create new prosperity by investing in the people; the people themselves becoming the embodiment, the assets that will propel and sustain them in the 21st century.

What does the future hold?
Soludo envisions Anambra as a natural one-city state, connecting Ndi Anambra through road infrastructure and technology. He’s working towards 100% export from Umueri International Airport, connecting Anambra to the world.

How has Soludo managed Anambra’s finances?
Soludo uses Anambra’s resources without borrowing, despite the state house of assembly’s approval for a 100bn loan facility. This aspect of governance deserves commendation. And it’s only a solution driven government that can actualise such feat.

How does the government’s approach to education compare to other regions?
Soludo’s focus on education is similar to China’s emphasis on education as a key driver of economic growth and social development. China’s education system has undergone significant reforms, including the implementation of nine-year free and compulsory education.

What are the challenges in implementing the vision for Anambra?
Soludo faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, economic constraints, and societal expectations. However, with his experience and commitment, he’s well-positioned to overcome these challenges and deliver on his promises.

How can Ndi Anambra support this vision?
Ndi Anambra can support Soludo’s vision by embracing his policies, participating in the development process, and holding him accountable for his promises. By working together, Anambra can achieve its full potential and become a model for other states in Nigeria atlarge.

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