All is set for the March 2 activation of Anambra State Homeland Consciousness programme aimed at sensitising indigenes and investors about the need to invest at home.
The event, billed to take place at Villa Park Hotels & Suites, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, is championed by the Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo-led Administration in Anambra State.
Speaking at a press briefing on Wednesday – today, February 26 – in Lagos, Senior Special Adviser to Governor of Anambra State and Liaison Officer, Anambra State Liaison Office, Lagos, Barrister Leo Chiegboka, threw more light on the programme, assuring Ndi Anambra and their friends and partners that the event would be worth their while, as it would provide an ample opportunity for insightful conversations that would shape the future of “our homeland and reinforce our shared identity, commitment and responsibility as Ndi Anambra, both at home and in the diaspora.”
The Anambra Homeland Consciousness initiative seeks to strengthen the bond among Anambra people while harnessing their collective resources and creating pathways for sustainable development in the State, Barrister Chiegboka added, disclosing that the event would feature discussions expected to address critical aspects of the state’s progress, economic empowerment, investment opportunities, infrastructural development “and our role as stakeholders in the Anambra project”.
As often happens, through meaningful dialogue, collaboration and strategic planning, new possibilities that will drive the state forward, especially in this tech-driven era of AI, can be unlocked, Chiegboka stressed, urging every son and daughter of Anambra, particularly those in Lagos, and elsewhere, to be in attendance as everyone’s voice, ideas and contributions matter.
“Together, we can create lasting impact and ensure that Arambra remains a beacon of excellence in Nigeria and beyond,” the SSA further said, pointing out that the homeland is not just a place but also “our heritage, our pride and the foundation upon which we must build a prosperous future.”
Reiterating that Ndigbo are a blessed and distinguished people with wisdom, uncommon dynamism and ingenuity, Chiegboka declared: “ We have the capacity and tenacity to withstand and overcome daunting challenges.
We are also like the Cedar tree, the king of trees that blossoms. We are notably enterprising and prosperous.
Ndigbo are noted to be catalytic, with an uncommon capacity to generate wealth and we give all the glory to God.”
However, there seems to be a notable anomaly in “our nature and business operations which we need to examine for reorientation, enhanced image and greater benefits,” the Anambra Governor’s aide agonized.
Lamenting that the Igbo have been stereotyped as a people who develop other people’s homelands at the expense of their own, Chiegboka advised that as charity, they say, begins at home, it has become imperative for Anambra people to introspect and reevaluate that tendency in view of the present Nigerian political reality, for greater good.
“We need to exercise caution and be proactive to safeguard our business interests,” he counselled.
“It has become imperative that we begin the balancing act, by redirecting some of our investments to our homeland to engender further developments, poverty reduction and greater prosperity in our various localities.”
To that end, there is an urgent need to think home, be homeland conscious and invest at home – ‘Aku Luo Uno’ – Chiegboka emphasized, surmising: “We must not continue to invest only in other people’s homelands at the expense of ours.”
