Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ is about fulfilling government’s duty of providing essential services that will improve
By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra says ‘Stomach Infrastructure’ is about fulfilling government’s duty of providing essential services that will improve the citizens’ means of livelihood, not handouts.
Soludo made the assertion on Wednesday at a news conference in Awka to mark the creation of Anambra 34 years ago.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anambra was created on Aug. 27, 1991, along with eight other states by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida.
He emphasised that sustainable development should prioritise agriculture, access to healthcare, quality education and reliable infrastructure over short-term palliatives.
According to him, boosting agricultural productivity, creating jobs and improving access to education and healthcare are practical examples of his administration’s commitment to genuine stomach infrastructure.
“Stomach infrastructure is not about distributing cash or offering appointments as special advisers.
“It is about ensuring that residents of Anambra have access to the basic necessities needed to live with dignity and rise out of poverty.
“We have distributed over 2.6 million palm and coconut seedlings to 180,000 households, we offer free education in public schools and free antenatal and delivery in government hospitals.
“We recruited over 1000 health workers and 8,115 teachers; we are paying N82,000 minimum wage, we have cleared backlogs of pension arrears and gratuities of state and local government workers.
“We have empowered over 5000 youths and over 8000 will soon graduate and be empowered. Over 600 kilometres out of 800 kilometres of roads have been commissioned
“Deploying public resources to create societal values is better than dashing money. That is what Anambra at 34 is about, our values are based on hard work and integrity,” he said
The governor outlined key achievements of his administration in the areas of security, urban regeneration, governance, road infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.
He commended law-abiding residents for their support and urged them to continue support the state government policies.
“Let’s collectively build Anambra of our dream and as your humble servant, I will continue to work round the clock to deliver dividends of democracy,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)