Anazodo Launches Anti-Flood Campaign, Pledges Infrastructure Revival in Nnewi

By Mary Obi

Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Mr. Echezona Anazodo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges, with a focus on eradicating flooding and potholes as the rainy season sets in.

Speaking during the commissioning of a major drainage project in Oduda, Nnewichi, Anazodo emphasized the need for responsible waste disposal and community-driven sanitation practices.

“With the onset of the rainy season, it is crucial to keep our drainage channels free of waste to avert flooding and ensure a healthier environment,” Anazodo stated.

The newly constructed drainage system, completed in just sixteen days, was commissioned by industrialist and Chairman of the Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus Ibeto. Commending Anazodo’s leadership, Ibeto praised the Chairman’s proactive approach and developmental vision.

“Nnewi is a holy and progressive land. During the civil war, while others fled, Nnewi people stayed. That’s the spirit that drives our success,” Ibeto said. “I wholeheartedly support Anazodo’s leadership and his inclusive development plans for Otolo, Umudim, Uruagu, and Nnewichi.”

Ibeto also dismissed recent allegations of financial misconduct against the Chairman as baseless, reaffirming his support for Anazodo’s administration and lauding his transparency.

In response, Anazodo pledged the reconstruction of a strategic road linking the newly commissioned drainage channel, alongside broader plans to eliminate potholes across the LGA.

“Despite limited resources, we are committed to improving infrastructure across all quarters of Nnewi,” Anazodo said. “Our waste management system is undergoing a complete overhaul, and significant investments are being made to make it work.”

He credited community elders for their advisory support and reiterated his commitment to transparent leadership. “At 40, I am too young to be corrupt. I run an open government, and Chief Ibeto remains a father figure whose support I deeply value,” he added.

Local leaders, including the President-General of Nnewichi, Mr. Ikechukwu Obi, and former PG Chief Soge Egbuna, commended Anazodo for addressing the area’s long-standing drainage issues. Women leaders also hailed the development as timely and impactful.

The Chairman later led stakeholders, including Chief Ibeto, on a tour of Agbo-Edo Market at Nkwo Nnewi, where he inspected ongoing construction of modern stalls for iced-fish dealers and other traders.

“My mother is a trader here,” Anazodo noted. “There will be no illegal levies under this administration. If in doubt, consult your market leadership or visit the Council office for clarification.”

The inspection tour concluded at the newly completed Ukwaka Bridge in Umudim, which is scheduled for commissioning by Governor Charles Soludo.

Chief Ibeto used the occasion to reaffirm the community’s support for Governor Soludo’s second term bid, citing his developmental track record, and pledged continued collaboration with Anazodo to ensure sustained growth in Nnewi.

Also present in the entourage were the President-General of Nzuko-Ora Nnewi, Hon. Jude Osumuoh; the Special Adviser to the Chairman on Special Duties, Mr. Austin Manuel Jideofor; former Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Hon. Amobi Chikwendu; among other dignitaries.