Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Agulu community in Anaocha Local Government Area (LGA) into a vibrant tourist destination.
The Governor made the promise while commissioning a newly constructed fruit market built by his government near Agulu lake in Agulu community.
At the event, Soludo said: “Agulu is a big community that we have big plans for. God that created Agulu blessed her with a wonderful lake but it was abandoned to waste. We’ll turn Agulu to a tourism destination because if it were overseas, Agulu lake would have been a tourist site for visitors.
“We have designed the master plan for Agulu. Wait and see the manifestation that will follow.”
“Jim Nwobodo era, during his era, had named Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and Ekwulobia as the four major urban centres in the state but my target is to ensure that Agulu and other communities join them.”
On the ongoing dualisation of the Amawbia-Agulu-Ekwulobia road, Soludo stated that the project is in line with his vision to enhance economic growth and facilitate seamless travel across Anambra State.
“The road, when completed, will have flowers and streetlights by the side. Ekwulobia is currently undergoing transformation and when completed, Awka to Owerri through Ekwulobia will be less than an hour,” he said.
Soludo said the newly commissioned market named “Onyeaghana Nwanneya – Solution Arena” located near the Agulu lake was part of his agenda to provide shelter for roadside traders as well as get rid of trading on Anambra roads.
“We have opened Solutions Arena- Fruits and Vegetable market here – a replica of the one we built in Awka. Before I came on board as Anambra Governor, roadside traders reigned supreme and virtually all roads in the state were occupied by street traders, that is not how it is done.
“We want to take away roadside trading where women risk their lives on the road trading under rain and scorching sun.”
Soludo, who praised the leadership of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) for the quality of the project, explained that the place would serve as a centre for trading on fruits and vegetables. He also said the stalls would be issued free of charge to women of the community.
In an interview, the MD/CEO of ACTDA, Ossy Onuko, emphasised that the stalls are 60 units to be occupied by 120 traders. He also said plans are underway to institute a management team to ensure proper functioning of the market.
Earlier, Chairman of Anaocha LGA, Comrade Romanus Ibekwe, appreciated the governor for the projects in the area, promising unalloyed support towards the governor’s second term in the state.
