By David Onwuchekwa
Barely one year as the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Mayor Echezona Anazodo has established himself as a beacon of progress and a source of pride for the people of Nnewi.
Eleven months into his tenure, his administration has rolled out a series of projects and reforms that are gradually transforming the face of the community.
Speaking with journalists on Monday, September 22, at Choice FM, Nnewi, Mayor Anazodo attributed the successes recorded so far to focus, teamwork, and the cordial relationship his administration enjoys with the state government.
He commended the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, for his commitment to the development of Nnewi, saying that the Governor has shown uncommon love for the people through massive road projects and other interventions.
He disclosed that Governor Soludo plans to urbanize Nnewi by building a modern park similar to the one already established in Ekwulobia.
The Chairman listed several roads either constructed or rehabilitated by the state government in Nnewi, including the Nkwo–Nkwo Road, the road leading to Nnewi Hotel, Igwe Orizu Road, and the Agulu–Okija Road.
He also revealed that Adili Road had been awarded as a fulfillment of the Governor’s campaign promise to Nnewi people during the senatorial by-election rally.
On his part, Mayor Anazodo outlined the strides recorded under his administration within eleven months.
These include the construction of the Ukwaka Umudim Nnewi River project, which he described as a landmark intervention, and the construction of Ezeogidi Road.
He noted that his administration also addressed security challenges in the community, introduced skill acquisition and empowerment programmes, and carried out extensive drainage works at Odida Nnewichi Nnewi and the F/Line section of Nkwo Market.
He said the operation tagged “Zero Potholes” has also made the community more accessible and has boosted economic activities.
The chairman further highlighted achievements in market development and sanitation. According to him, his administration built the Sir Odumegwu Ojukwu Plaza with over 139 shops, reconstructed markets without charging traders, developed over 50 modern shops at Odu Igbo Nkwo Nnewi, procured a brand-new vehicle for waste management, and constructed a modern public toilet at Nkwo Market.
In agriculture and empowerment, Mayor Anazodo disclosed that seedlings and fertilizers were distributed to farmers, while financial empowerment programmes were introduced to support farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs. These, he said, were complemented by youth and women empowerment initiatives to reduce unemployment and promote self-reliance.
Looking ahead, the chairman announced that October 1 would mark his first year in office, and the occasion would be used to commission a new modern legislative building at the local government secretariat. He appealed to Ndi Nnewi to remain patient, assuring them that more of their needs would be met once the rainy season is over.
Mayor Anazodo concluded by urging the people of Nnewi not to be distracted by political noise but to focus on supporting Governor Soludo in the forthcoming November 8 governorship election, emphasizing that continuity in government remains key to sustaining the transformation already being experienced in Nnewi.
