Soludo Receives Accolades for Restoring Awka Redlight District Name to ‘Abakiliki Street’

By Ukpa Ewa

Anambra Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed his commitment to preserving history and promoting national unity by restoring the original name of the popular Abakiliki Street in Awka.

Soludo’s decision to restore the street to its original name has been widely commended by major stakeholders within and outside the state.

Speaking during a project inspection and unveiling of the street signpost, Governor Soludo stated that “every society has its own history and identity which must not be changed without a just cause.”

He recalled that the street had been known as Abakiliki Street since the 1970s but was renamed Club Road during the last administration for reasons he described as trivial.

“I asked why the name was changed and I was told it was because of clubs along the road. That is not enough reason to erase history,” Soludo remarked.

He emphasized that street names often reflect historical figures, cities or significant events and unless there is a mistake to correct, they should be preserved. “We must not revise history casually. This is a correction of a mistake,”

He noted that the street, which serves as a major access route in the capital, was one of the first roads he awarded for reconstruction on assumption of office. “Anyone coming to Awka in search of help or opportunity must pass through Abakiliki Street,” he said, adding that the road is now fully rehabilitated and befitting.

Speaking also, the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko praised the Governor’s action. He said what happened here today is to rewrite history positively as the street had a history since 1974 where the road was registered and named Abakiliki Street and its renaming to Club Road by the previous administration had no documented justification. He also pointed out that institutions in Ebonyi State have been named after Anambra people, reinforcing the need for national unity.

Founder of Abakiliki Street, Chief Peter Uzodimma who emotionally recounted the long journey since 1974 when he settled in the area said the street was officially named in 2003 following his application. However, it was later changed during Chief Willie Obiano administration despite earlier assurances.

“I cried for many years when the name was changed. But today, Soludo has wiped away my tears. He must do two terms,” Uzodimma declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Ebonyi Union, Anambra State Chapter, Chief Chukwuma Moses, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor.

According to him, Abakiliki Street has been in contention for years but today Soludo has ended the controversy. ” Soludo will do eight years and after that go to Abuja as President,” he stated confidently.

Similarly, the Patron of All Ebonyi Indigenes in Anambra State, Mr. Monday Nwokoye, said Ebonyi people were fully behind Soludo. “We are brothers. The Governor’s work in Okpoko has benefitted us immensely. This is the time to pay him back,” he said.

The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, members of Women Alliance for Soludo and other political stakeholders.