Former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has described Anambra State as one of the best governed states in Nigeria going by all the indices of measuring good governance.

He made the declaration last night during the gathering of parliamentarians, diplomats and captains of industry to honour him as he turned 80 at Marlborough House, London, headquarters of the Commonwealth where he worked for 34 years, rising to become the Secretary General for 10 years, 1990-2000.

Anyaoku said that Anambra under Governor Peter Obi had changed for good and that Gov. Peter Obi must be granted credit for that epochal change and revolution going on in the state. His words: “Peter Obi is the governor of my state, Anambra, which is one among the 36 federating states. In the most recent rating, Obi is acclaimed as one of the best performing governors in Nigeria. This is not hear say. Even recently, Bunmi and I were in the state to celebrate the Christmas and can attest to the transformational activities taking place in the state under Peter Obi. At 80, this gives me special joy.”

Earlier, Mr. Obi, who thanked everybody that had come to pay reverence to Anyaoku, said that as the Governor of Anambra State, that he is the CEO of a global and wonderful brand (referring to Chief Emeka Anyaoku). He said that his one fear as Anyaoku was celebrated was how the state would get vanishing brands like him. He said that the real celebration would be in Anambra, where he would take the opportunity to present Anyaoku to the people of the state as the type of character to be looked upon as role models for the health of the state.

While proposing the toast, Rt. Hon. Lord Boateng described Anyaoku as a bridge between Africa and the world. He said that his life had been a source of inspiration to many.

The event was graced by members of parliaments, diplomats and captains of industry from different parts of the world.

Meanwhile, back home in Nigeria, Governor Obi has announced that his administration is to build three pedestrian bridges between Upper Iweka and Bridge-Head end of the Onitsha-Enugu Expressway. He disclosed this while inspecting roads in the area.  

The governor said the pedestrian bridges were part of the safety measures to reduce accidents and ensure free flow of traffic in the area. He explained that the on-going up-grading of facilities in Onitsha is geared towards restoring the status of the commercial town as one of the ten biggest cities in the country.

Obi directed traders in the various markets in the area to imbibe healthy sanitation culture and maintain clean environment in and around the markets. He warned that government will not hesitate to shut down any market with dirty environment or littered drainage system. He regretted that the new drains constructed in front of the Ogbaru main market has been converted to refuse dumps.

Addressing Aluminum materials dealers along the Oguta road Onitsha, Governor Obi enjoined them to keep the area clean and ensure prompt payment of sanitation fee for disposal of refuse.

He reminded them that street trading is no longer allowed and that the drains should be protected from abuse. The Transition Committee Chairman, Onitsha North, Mr. Eddie Okosi, thanked the Governor for his unrelenting efforts in rebuilding Onitsha. He urged the traders to give the governor all necessary cooperation in his development programmes in the state.

•Photo: Chief Anyaoku.