Nigerianewslite
By Christian ABURIME
The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has described Fada Anthony Chiegboka as "Otimkpu Jesus".
The Governor stated this when he joined him to celebrate the glory of God upon his life at the thanksgiving mass which was held at St. Peter's Parish, Oko.
According to Mr Governor, celebrating 60 years of existence on Earth and 30 years of priesthood is simply greatness.
He recalled their early years when Fada Anthony told him he would like to go to the seminary. He stated that it sounded like a joke to him but fortunately so, his dreams came to reality.
"Today is a special day! I thank you immensely, celebrate with you and thank God for your life. It's my prayers that you live 120 years on Earth according to Genesis 6:3," Governor Soludo prayed.
"We are celebrating the beginning of mid-life and welcoming you to the second half. You have lived 60 years of impactful life as a priest of God.
"You have been a gift to Catholic life, Isuofia Community and Nigeria in general. May your life and services on Earth continually be productive.
"I will visit the erosion site at Oko after this mass. Each time, I speak about environment as the number one existential threat in the state.
"Anambra is the gully erosion state in Nigeria. The resources to solve this gully is beyond the capacity of the state government.
"The issue of gully erosion should be a national emergency, together with flooding in 7 local government areas presently submerged under water. Properties, livelihood and farmlands are largely affected by the flood menace.
"Sadly, roads are washed off completely! I have to admit that Anambra have a road crises. We are complaining of that, flood came and destroyed the roads that are already in a bad state.
"We are deploying every penny we have to ensure that in the first phase, we fix strategic roads in the state.
"There are parts of Anambra that have not seen 1 Km of tarred road. Anambra West is the only local government whose headquarters is not accessible but we are working on that. By the first quarter of next year, we will drive to Nzam.
"We are flagging off so many roads from Achina to Umuchu to Umunze, Nnewi South, Osumenyi, Ukpor to Ozubulu, Ihembosi etc.
"Onitsha is the largest city in the South East. We visited New Market Road, Abagana to Nimo. In Okpoko, one million people are trapped there but 14km of road construction is ongoing there.
"We are doing the strategic ones and doing all the unreached roads. Mmili John Ojoto and between Ogbunike and Ogidi, when rain falls, water floods the areas.
"The quality of roads we are delivering is such that Anambra have not had before. We are very strict with our budget due to financial constraints", Governor Soludo said.
He emphasized that so far, they have awarded 146km of roads and targeting 220km roads around the state.
"But we all have a personal responsibility! People block drainages, run off water to the street after building their houses. People should control water flow from their homes because this water flows to the roads and cut them off gradually causing gully erosion.
"All of us collectively have one contribution or the other. We must understand this fact to solve our environmental challenges.
He urged the Priests to teach the congregation that the gully erosion in the state are man made.
"The State Government will do the much they can within its capacity. We shall intervene but the people have their own personal responsibility.
"The Federal, State Government and the people have their own collective responsibility. If this is done, Nigeria will be well.
Fada Anthony Chiegboka said as he is celebrating 30 years Priesthood, the Governor and his wife is also celebrating 30 years marriage anniversary.
He thanked the Governor and his wife for standing by him and being there throughout his life 5 years ago.
He also thanked the Federal Lawmaker, Sir Eric Kanayo and Senator Victor Umeh for also taking their time to celebrate with him, as well as the Traditional Ruler of Isuofia and other communities.
Fada Chiegboka acknowledged Mr Governor's vision for a liveable and prosperous homeland and his impact on road construction.
However, he condoled with him for the flood menace that is unsettling the state and prayed God to provide all the needed resources to fix Anambra and lift it to enviable heights.
Dignitaries in attendance are; Labour Party Senatorial Candidate Anambra Central, Sen Victor Umeh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, APGA Candidate Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Mr. Eric Kanayo Ezeh, TC Chairman Orumba North, Sir Ogo Ekwueme, Chief of Protocol, Chinedu Nwoye Glamour amongst others.
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