Residents of Ifite-Awka appeal to Governor Soludo for urgent road rehabilitation and drainage as heavy rains worsen flooding.

Residents of Ifite-Awka in Awka, Anambra State, have appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently rehabilitate Oguguo Nebe Avenue and address recurring flooding in the area.

The approximately two-kilometre unpaved road is reportedly submerged whenever heavy rainfall occurs, disrupting movement for residents, students, workers and commuters.

The Guardian’s investigation found that more than 40 hostels, mostly two- and three-storey buildings, are located along the road, with an estimated student population of about 3,000.

The road also provides a link to Mgbakwu, the College of Health Technology and communities towards Isuaniocha and Achalla.

Flooding claims two lives

The latest appeal followed a heavy downpour that reportedly swept away an unidentified woman and a tricycle operator.

The tricycle operator’s body was reportedly recovered about 24 hours later from a ditch around Miracle Junction, Ifite-Awka.

The incident triggered a protest by commercial tricycle operators, who expressed concern over the dangerous state of the roads and recurring floods.

Students, residents and staff of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, have also complained about deteriorating roads and flash floods around the institution.

Residents said indiscriminately dumped refuse blocks drainage channels, causing floodwater to spill onto roads.

Residents raise security concerns

Residents said the poor road condition has also created security concerns in the community.

According to the report, unknown gunmen who invaded Ifite-Awka and killed some Fulani residents were believed to have accessed the area through the Nebe-Tamis axis.

Residents said the incident has increased concerns about the vulnerability of the community.

Emma Nnaemeka, a resident, described the situation as both a humanitarian and security concern.

He appealed to the state government to tar the road and construct adequate drainage channels.

“Each time it rains, the road is submerged. It traps and damages vehicles and tricycles,” Nnaemeka said.

He added that residents sometimes abandon their vehicles when rainfall begins because of the flooding.

‘Students can’t move when it rains’

A linguistics expert at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Professor Ihejiraka, also called for accelerated rehabilitation of Nebe Avenue and surrounding roads.

He said the poor condition of the roads was directly affecting students and other residents during heavy rainfall.

“Once it rains, the students can’t move and go to school again,” he said.

Ihejiraka described the recurring flooding as a serious humanitarian challenge because it disrupts education and limits safe movement.

Residents are now calling for road rehabilitation and adequate drainage infrastructure before further heavy rainfall worsens the situation.

The post Floods, Bad Roads Trap 3,000 Students in Anambra Community appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has expressed concerns over the declining inflow of foreign direct investments (FDI) into Nigeria. Speaking at the 1st Abuja Business and Investment Summit on Wednesday, Soludo emphasized that the country is underperforming in attracting investments in Africa and globally.

 

The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria highlighted Nigeria’s struggle to maintain positive returns on capital. “Nigeria is witnessing negative returns on capital,” Soludo stated, noting that the country is lagging in inflation and interest rate management compared to other economies.

 

“Globally, the majority of FDIs flow to Asia, while Africa received only 3 to 4 percent last year,” he pointed out. “Nigeria is punching below its weight in terms of FDI and portfolio investments, both relative to its population size and the scale of its economy,” Soludo added.

Soludo called for immediate action, stressing the importance of sustainable investments to secure Nigeria’s future. He urged the country to position itself to participate in and lead the 21st-century global economy.

 

Strategic Investments Key to Nigeria’s Growth

 

Soludo underscored the theme of the summit, “Optimizing Investment Through Partnership,” and emphasized the importance of understanding the global landscape when making investment decisions. “Investments don’t happen in a vacuum,” he remarked, urging stakeholders to consider global megatrends and their implications for Nigeria.

 

Abuja Investments MD Backs Strategic Discussions

The Managing Director/CEO of Abuja Investments Company Limited, Maureen Tamuno, expressed optimism about the summit’s potential to foster economic growth. She commended the panelists for their thought-provoking insights, which she believes will pave the way for economic prosperity.

 

“This summit is aimed at promoting investment opportunities in the Federal Capital Territory and providing a platform for networking among investors,” Tamuno said, adding that the event would encourage participants to explore innovative investment ideas.

 

“As we engage in discussions, I urge participants to recognize the importance of partnerships in achieving successful outcomes. Together, we can optimize our investments and drive the transformative change needed for economic growth,” she concluded.

The post Soludo Laments Low FDI Inflow, Urges Strategic Investments to Secure Nigeria’s Future appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Formerly described as the largest slum in eastern Nigeria by international institutions, Okpoko has undergone a miraculous change under Governor Soludo’s administration.

Within just two years, Governor Soludo has achieved remarkable feats in Okpoko, including the commissioning of 12 kilometers of roads, the provision of pipe-borne water, the establishment of a general hospital, installation of street lights, and the clearing of refuse.

These efforts have not only improved the infrastructure of Okpoko but have also had a profound impact on the community’s overall well-being.

Governor Soludo’s initiatives have not only addressed longstanding issues such as inadequate infrastructure and environmental hazards but have also had a positive impact on public health. By implementing a massive cleanup and gentrification program, Governor Soludo has significantly improved the living conditions in Okpoko, reducing health risks associated with diseases such as soil-transmitted helminth infections and Hepatitis B.

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Furthermore, Governor Soludo’s efforts have had a positive economic impact on Okpoko, with a noticeable decrease in crime rates, increased market activity, and a rise in property values. The revitalization of Okpoko has not only improved the quality of life for its residents but has also set the stage for economic growth and development in the community.

Overall, Governor Soludo’s can-do spirit and transformative initiatives in Okpoko serve as a shining example of effective governance and leadership, demonstrating the profound impact that dedicated leadership can have on a community’s prosperity and well-being.

The post Eastern Nigeria’s Largest Slum Transformed by Soludo’s Reconstruction Efforts appeared first on Housing TV Africa.