By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Government has announced plans to make environmental sustainability the centrepiece of activities marking the state’s 35th anniversary, as the state executive council also reviewed ongoing efforts to transform its urban landscape and economy.
The state will mark the anniversary on Thursday, August 27, under the theme, “Our Environment, Our Future,” with a tree-planting campaign and a media chat with Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo among the major activities planned for the celebration.
The decisions were taken at the 10th meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) since Soludo began his second term. The meeting was held on Monday at the Light House, Awka.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, said the anniversary would highlight the administration’s drive towards a clean and green Anambra while drawing attention to environmental challenges confronting the state.
The council also approved a new regulatory framework for cooperative societies in the state, setting what it described as irreducible operational standards aimed at ensuring their viability, scalability and protection of members’ investments.
The framework, according to the statement, is also intended to strengthen the operations of the Cooperative Federation of Anambra State (COFAS) and enable cooperatives to make more organised contributions to the state’s economic development.
ANSEC further reviewed the economics of the proposed Anambra Aerotropolis, described as an export emporium and economic gateway to the South-East.
The project will include the Anambra Mixed-use Industrial City (AMIC) and an entertainment hub, both to be situated within the free trade zone.
The council also reviewed progress on the regeneration and modernisation of marketsAnambra @ 35: Soludo Deepens Clean, Green Megacity Drive, Reviews Aerotropolis across the state, expressing satisfaction with the pace of work.
It said the ongoing regeneration of Onitsha Main Market remained on course for completion as planned and would serve as a model for similar projects in other parts of Anambra.
The council said the market regeneration programme was part of broader efforts to prevent the state from degenerating into what it described as a “chaotic urban slum” and to place Anambra on the path to becoming a clean, green and smart megacity.
In a related resolution, the council admonished political office holders and other members of government to exercise power responsibly and with restraint.
It stressed that political power should be deployed solely for public purposes and the common good, in accordance with democratic ideals, and warned against its abuse.
