On the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, I extend warm greetings to you, Governor Soludo, and the people of Anambra State. This anniversary provides an opportunity for reflection on Nigeria’s journey to nationhood and sustainable development. Despite the ups and downs, we are still here as a country, thanks, perhaps, to providence.
Our hometown of Uli has played a significant role in Nigeria’s history. The “Last Flight” out of Biafra during the civil war took off from Uli, and had it not, Nigeria’s unity might look very different today. More than 54 years after the civil war ended, Uli’s legacy endures, but the town itself has been left in ruins. This reflects the failure of the much-celebrated 3Rs; Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation; that were promised after the war.
Not all of Uli’s misfortunes can be blamed on the neglect by federal and state authorities. Some of the damage is self-inflicted. Since the start of this republic in 1999, many infrastructure projects awarded to Uli indigenes have been mismanaged. Contractors with access to power but lacking integrity and competence have consistently failed, from the Umuagbuchi Nos 1&2 roads, several other projects under past governors, to the reconstruction of schools under former Governor Peter Obi.
We are grateful for your decision to rehabilitate Uli High School, a critical institution that has served over 40,000 citizens since its establishment in 1962. However, we worry this project may fall into the same trap of poorly executed or abandoned projects. The school is currently in a dire state, with dilapidated buildings, no proper staff quarters, no fencing, and insufficient facilities.
While stakeholders’ meetings have been held to ensure collaboration, we remain concerned about the contractors chosen for this project. Given past failures, we urge you to ensure that competent entities with a proven track record are awarded contracts. Other states like Enugu and Abia have upheld quality in handling their projects, and we hope Anambra can follow suit.
Governor Soludo, your leadership has always stood for excellence, from your undergraduate days at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to your tenure at the Central Bank. Now, as governor, much is expected of you. You have the chance to surpass the achievements of leaders like Micheal Okpara, Sam Mbakwe, and Peter Obi. History beckons.
The most pressing issue in Uli and the wider state remains insecurity. While this problem predates your administration, we believe Soludo would find a solution. Unfortunately, after two years in office, insecurity continues to plague Uli. Planning any social event, from burials to weddings, requires paying off both the vigilance group and the so-called “unknown gunmen.” Without these payments, there is no guarantee of safety. Our people live in fear of these non-state actors and their collaborators. No one dare talk of marriage and other such convivial engagements- the going formula is enye nde eba, enye nde eba—meaning “to each one their due, ” is the going formular.
We appeal to you to address this urgently. Villagers are being extorted, paying as much as N2,500 per adult to these groups. Perhaps the model used by the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, who combined technological innovation with youth empowerment to tackle insecurity in Nnewi, could be adapted and applied across Anambra. Security is essential for any form of development, and without it, progress is impossible.
Uli’s healthcare situation is equally dire. There is no secondary-level public hospital in the entire community, and the health centers that exist are in shambles. People are forced to rely on unqualified health practitioners and faith healers, putting lives at risk. This is a situation that requires urgent attention, and the responsibility lies with you.
There are positive steps that can be taken. The successful repair of the Eziama-Uli erosion site is an example of your administration’s ability to address critical infrastructure issues. More of these initiatives are needed in Uli.
Uli’s strategic location and historical significance offer untapped potential. A war museum, for instance, could be built from the relics of the civil war that still exist in the town, educating future generations on the importance of unity. The current secessionist agitations in the South East, which have taken a heavy toll on lives and property, underscore the need for such a project.
The present state of Uli is disheartening. The town lacks even basic amenities like public water, exacerbating the health challenges faced by the people. Governor Soludo, the clock is ticking. The people of Uli deserve better. We urge you to act swiftly to restore hope to our long-suffering community.
Luke Ata-Uli and Ichie Ugomba
