By Uchenna Nworah
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo today, Tuesday, 29th July 2025, renamed Club road, Awka, Abakaliki Street, its original name that was changed to Club road by his predecessor Governor Willie Obiano in 2018.
There was some misunderstanding regarding the renaming of the Street in to Club Road by Governor Obiano. Some individuals attributed sinister motives to this decision made by former Governor Obiano.
When Governor Obiano changed the name, it was believed that “Club Road” was a more fitting name to promote the emerging nightlife district in Awka. The aim was to make the street easily identifiable for visitors and partygoers; thus, when they arrived in town, they could simply inquire about the clubs, and locals would direct them to Club Road. Additionally, another street adjacent to Club Road was renamed Abakaliki Street at the same time, which was more respectable. Nothing was lost. Abakaliki was not denigrated in any way. It was just a destination marketing decision.
Governor Soludo speaking at the renaming was flanked by Mr Peter Uzodimma, the first man who allegedly cleared and graded Abakaliki street in 1975. Governor Soludo said that his government took that decision to preserve the area’s ‘history’.
It is the prerogative of the state government to take decisions that it believes are in the best interests of the state and people at every point in time.
There has been sore points in the relationships between Ndi Ebonyi and Ndi Anambra. There is a perceived persecution complex by some who feel that Ndi Anambra do not like Ndi Ebonyi. Evidence does not support this thinking because Ndi Ebonyi live and thrive in Anambra state, likewise Ndi Anambra live and thrive in Ebonyi state.
What has become contentious is perhaps the involvement of some Ebonyi indigenes in high profile cases of publicised kidnappings reported in Anambra state in the past years. The recent Ogboji massacre is still fresh in people’s minds.
Going forward, to heal sore nerves and promote mutual relationships by the governments of Anambra and Ebonyi states among indigenes of the two states, more needs to be done beyond renaming Club road to Abakaliki street. There is a need for the establishment of Ebonyi and Anambra Relations Council. Emotions and feelings are hurt on both sides. Mistrusts have also crept in and politicians will ever seek to exploit that crack.
Ozonkpu Chief Uche Nworah Ph.D.
Former Managing Director/CEO
Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS)
(2014-2022)
