By Chioma Ndife
The former Governor of Anambra State and Vice-Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the last general elections, has explained what prompted him to rebuild and expand the Head-bridge to Upper Iweka Road in Onitsha.
Speaking at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Awada, during the celebration of his birthday with students of Sedes Sapientia Primary and Secondary Schools, whom he later presented with a cheque of 1 Million Naira for the continued improvement of their schools, Obi said that as a governor then, each time he crossed from Onitsha to Asaba, it appeared as if he moved from heaven to hell.
‘Out of inner pain I personally experienced, the type most of us experience about Nigeria when we travel out of this country, I told myself that I must do that road as the first impression of Anambra State by those from other states. That was how I came to expand the road to 8-lanes,’ Obi said.
He said it was the same care and concern he had for the state that made him clear close to 40 billion Naira arrears of pension, did so many roads, returned schools to the Church and improved them as never witnessed before; and upon that, left over 75 billion Naira in the treasury of the state.
Speaking to the students, whom he said he specifically came to celebrate his birthday with after failing to do so the previous Friday, owing to proceedings at the tribunal, Obi charged the students to continue to take their education seriously in order to succeed in life.
Reviewing the economies of the world, Obi emphasized that the world was moving from baggage to knowledge economy and that only those that acquired education would be able to jump on the band wagon of progress and success.
Earlier, the Rev. Fr. in charge, Fr. Vincent Ezenwaka, described Obi as a man different from others, whose concern for the good of society was genuine and complete.
The event witnessed a lot of activities, namely; presentation and breaking of birthday cake; address of students by Mr. Obi; question and answer session, photographs, among others.
