Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has called on the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to focus on the construction of a regional railway that will connect all five states in the South-East geopolitical zone.
The governor highlighted the potential economic benefits of such a project during a State Executive Council meeting in Awka, where he also bid farewell to Mark Okoye, who has been appointed as the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of the SEDC.
A statement from the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, on Tuesday, confirmed Soludo’s full support for Okoye and the newly formed commission, emphasizing the need for large-scale infrastructure projects that will promote regional economic integration. Soludo urged the commission to prioritize the construction of the railway, noting its critical role in boosting trade, tourism, and overall economic development in the South-East region.
“The Governor assured Okoye of the state’s full backing and stressed the importance of regional infrastructure, particularly the railway, which holds immense economic potential,” the statement read.
In addition to supporting the SEDC, the Anambra State Executive Council reaffirmed its commitment to combating the circulation of counterfeit and expired drugs in the state. The council backed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its efforts to clean up markets and fast-track the inspection and verification of pharmaceuticals. The state government also emphasized its ongoing work on the Anambra State Pharmaceutical Hub in Oba, a key project aimed at combating fake drugs.
Governor Soludo also appealed to communities to work together with the government in addressing insecurity, while ensuring that the crackdown on illicit practices would not undermine traditional beliefs. The government stressed its determination to eliminate fake native doctors and discourage the sale of fetish items.
The council approved several important contracts aimed at improving infrastructure in the state, including the reconstruction of the perimeter fence at the Commissioners’ Quarters in Awka, the construction of two new model gates at general hospitals, and flood control projects in key areas. These initiatives reflect the state’s commitment to enhancing economic growth and ensuring the safety and well-being of Anambra residents.
