By Maxim Uzoatu
When the red cap of a titled man bears the legend “Solution is Here”, one must indeed take notice and pay attention.
People are used to seeing “Solution is Here” written on workaday face caps, but this is the first time one is seeing the progressive sign emblazoned on a red cap.
According to tradition, the red-capped Nze does not tell lies, and this happens to be the testament of Dr. Law Mefor ever since he was appointed the Commissioner for Information of Anambra State by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
The cap fits in shining redness on the head of the information guru who is determined to bring to fruition Governor Soludo’s promise of turning Anambra State into a peaceful and prosperous homeland.
Dr. Mefor states upfront that Governor Soludo’s legacies are enduring, stressing that Mr. Governor’s Anambra 2070 vision and his gubernatorial manifesto provide blueprints for the much needed transformation presently happening in the state.
According to the personable Dr Mefor, “Soludo’s vision is to make Anambra a model for other states in Nigeria. He aims to achieve this through infrastructural development, education and economic growth. With his experience and expertise as a former Governor of CBN and his elaborate exposure, Soludo is well-equipped to drive this transformation.”
Mefor informs all that Soludo is building roads with a 20-50-year lifespan, and connecting every local government in Anambra. He reveals that the Governor is setting up internet hubs and laying broadband infrastructure for seamless connectivity.
In the commissioner’s words, “This means that governments after him will not have to worry about infrastructure decay but would rather concentrate on other sectors of the Anambra economy.”
“Soludo’s free education policy will liberate Ndi-Anambra,” he asserts, adding, “His administration promotes cash crops, providing improved seedlings, coconut, and palm oil seeds for a multiplier effect in the next decade. Just like what happened in Ghana, everywhere in Anambra in the coming years will boast of an economic tree that can provide ambiance to the environment and also make money for families in the state, no matter how small.”
Commissioner Mefor assures that Soludo’s government in Anambra will maintain fiscal sustainability, arguing that Anambra now ranks among the top states in terms of fiscal sustainability and viability.
“We now truly have free education in Anambra,” Mefor said. “In all public schools, we should be able to guarantee that every child has access to free and qualitative education, especially to the poorest of the poor. We have posted over 2000 teachers to mission schools as a way of subsidising education. There are no smart teachers without smart schools. We are gradually upscaling technology in our schools, with the current laying of over 2000 fibre optic cables.
Because we declared truly free education, enrolment in public schools increased by 18 percent and out-of-school children dropped by 2 percent, making Anambra the number one state with the lowest percentage of out-of-school children.”
For him, human capital is the greatest asset of Anambra State, and the government is working to create human capital that is productive at home and exportable abroad, leaving no one behind as true progressives.
Dr Mefor makes further revelations thusly: “Soludo has made strides in all sectors of the state economy, including recruitment of 8115 teachers, updating of the STEM education, payment for funding of UBEC, among others. With the mission schools, we still have thousands of teachers in them, and we will continue to pay the billions to cover their salaries. That’s the way we help to subsidise.”
He cites the fact that Anambra has been recognised as the third most viable state to do business in Nigeria, after Lagos and Rivers.
Mefor does not mince words in stating: “Soludo’s initiatives will make Anambra a model for states across Nigeria. Soludo envisions Anambra as a natural one-city state, connecting Ndi-Anambra through road infrastructure and technology. He is working towards 100 percent export from Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, thus connecting Anambra to the world.”
The red cap-wearing commissioner iterates that Governor Soludo uses Anambra’s resources without borrowing, despite the State House of Assembly’s approval for a 100billion Naira loan facility.
Dr Mefor maintains that it is incumbent on Ndi-Anambra to support Soludo’s vision by embracing his policies and participating in the development process, and holding him accountable to his promises.
“By working together, Anambra can achieve its full potential and become a model for other states in Nigeria at large,” Dr Mefor reiterated.
The commissioner leads by personal example through holding meetings with stakeholders such as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), and granting interviews to the radio and TV stations as well as the print and online media.
He has constituted a Solution Weekly Editorial Board Team to publish and disseminate salient Anambra news. He has also initiated the broadcast programme called “Ask the Commissioner” through which each commissioner in the state can engage with the people directly.
Dr Mefor has visited and pledged support for the Anambra Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO) newly created by Governor Soludo and headed by Sir Chuka Nnabuife as the MD.
In all, Commissioner Mefor puts in all the rigour and effort everyday toward putting Anambra up top with a red thinking cap of truth on his head that spells – Solution is Here!