The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has described himself as a diehard optimist.
Soludo stated this in a statement circulated by his press secretary, Christian Aburime.
Stating that he saw a more glorious future, the governor called for concerted efforts to make it happen.
He assured the people of the state that in the next two weeks the state government would be distributing bags of rice to over 300,000 households.
He confirmed that the state government had started paying each of the 59,000 public servants and pensioners in the state a non-taxable cash augmentation of N12,000 each (September to December 2023)
He said,”We are firing from all cylinders in our haste to lay the foundations for a livable and prosperous homeland. In March 2024, we shall present our two-year comprehensive report card to Ndi Anambra.
“Following the desired removal of petrol subsidy cum exchange rate adjustments, and the consequential socio-economic hardship on the citizens, we have rolled out the most ambitious response to the challenging times subject to the limits of our resources.
“As a government founded on the true progressive agenda, we are determined to leave no one behind. In addition to the 10% salary increase for public servants since January 2023, we have started paying each of the 59,000 public servants and pensioners a non-taxable cash augmentation of N12,000 each (September to December 2023). In two weeks we will be distributing bags of rice to over 300,000 households.
“We have banned the collection of taxes/levies from hawkers, barrow and truck pushers, vulcanizers, okada riders, and all businesses with capital less than N100,000. We have also reduced by 20% levies paid by all transport vehicles. Pregnant women now receive free antenatal and delivery services in all government hospitals.
“We have also began the ambitious programme of a true free primary to JSS3 education— free of all fees, levies and financial contributions of any type in all public schools. An additional 3,000 teachers are being recruited to add to the earlier recruitment of 5,000 teachers. About 5,000 youths trained under the one youth two skills scheme will soon be empowered with cash to commence their own businesses.
“So far, we have distributed 1,100,000 seedlings of palm and coconut to over 100,000 households and will distribute another one million next year. The list is long… Again, the goal is that we are all in this together and will swim out of the challenging times together.
“I am a diehard optimist and believer in the potential greatness of Nigeria. I see a more glorious future, provided we all intentionally decide to make it happen. Let me at this moment specially commend all our patriotic and hard working men and women, members of the armed forces, our children and youths, the vulnerable population, captains of industry, traditional rulers and community leaders, etc.
“We pray for the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and his team at the FGN, members of the National and State Houses of Assembly, the Judiciary, and members of the international community. Together, we can make Nigeria great.
“Today is a day of deep reflection on our journey so far and refine our gaze unto the future. But that future may indeed benefit immensely from the lessons from our heroes past— their patriotism, nationalism, selfless service, vision and actions to build a great nation. Today, I want to specially pay my tributes to all our heroes past. May their labour never be in vain! We will never forget, and will never celebrate them enough.
