Group Managing Director, Afrinvest, Prince Ike Chioke, on Monday hinged Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State’s record of achievements in the last eight years on his sincerity of purpose and capacity to deliver.
Chioke, also Chiarman, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA), said this at a media conference to announce the launch of the book titled : ‘Akpokuedike ; Duty Call In Anambra.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book ‘Akpokuedike’ is a biography of Gov. Obiano authored by Chioke in honour of the governor, in 15 chapters and 191 pages.
The book will be officially launched in Akwa at the Anambra International Convention Centre on Wednesday .
The Afrinvest boss described Akpokuedike as a deeply researched Igbo language and idomatic expression which means: When The Hero is Called Upon , Everything Is Settled.
According to Chioke, his close observation of the leadership style and accomplishment of Gov. Obiano inspired him to write the book.
“My appointment as ANSIPPA chairman in mid -2019 gave me a closer look at the workings of Obiano’s administration in Anambra state and increased my admiration for Gov. Obiano.
” I felt I should place on record the remarkable public service legacy of this unusual man,” he said.
According to him, the book, an idea he conceived in 2021, captures Obiano’s recorded giant strides in agriculture , education, healthcare, infrastructure, economy and investment .
Chioke said that during the tenure of Obiano, poverty rate in the state reduced to 15 per cent by 2020, from 53 per cent in 2010, even when the country’ s poverty rate was at 50 per cent.
He said Anambra, before the emergence of Obiano as governor, was a ghost town because of the menace of kidnapping but he was able to route them out of the state through the support of the Vigilante groups .
” As at today, Anambra has the lowest poverty index in Nigeria, highest growth rate of manufacturing outfits in Nigeria, highest growth of import -substitute endeavours in rice and vegetable production in Nigeria.
“It is the state with the lowest loan rate exposure and capacity to meet its obligation to workers timely.
” Anambra and Lagos are the only states involved in the building of new cities planned to meet standard of any modern city in the world,” he said.
Chioke said Gov. Obiano’s adminstration between March 2014 and March 2022 has been consistently scientific, strategic and systematic .
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He said the outgoing governor’s administration was systematic in the sense that policies , programmes and projects are planned to outlast his administration and entrenched to be continued by future administrations.
Chioke said the governor, who is also a technocrat, put in place an implementation mechanism and was deliberate and un- tribalistic in choosing his team.
” With Obiano’s legacy, it is expected that future governors will govern in keeping the rule of the state.
” Obiano has set a template that will pass the test of time and Anambra ‘s governorship can no longer be all-comers affairs.
“Rather, it will be for those who understand the vision of the state and are able to navigate ‘ Ndi Anambra ‘ towards that place,” he said.
Chioke urged Nigerian politicians to emulate the virtue of Obiano and be sincere in their leadership style.
NAN reports that Gov. Obiano will handover power to the governor -elect of the state, Prof. Charles Soludo, on March 17 .
(NAN)
