Soludo Govt Pledges to Compensate Nnobi Demolition Victims, Orders Construction of Replacement Homes

By Solo Muokwugwo

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has assured residents whose homes were demolished during the ongoing expansion of the Afor Nnobi roundabout in Idemili South Local Government Area that his administration will provide support, including replacement accommodation for three affected residents.

The governor gave the assurance on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during a meeting with the traditional ruler of Nnobi, Igwe Nick Obi, and other stakeholders from the community at the Light House, Awka.

Soludo directed the Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, to facilitate the construction of replacement accommodation for the three residents whose homes were demolished and ensure their subsequent relocation.

Five-Lane Junction to Address Traffic Gridlock

Explaining the rationale behind the ongoing demolition and reconstruction, Governor Soludo said the project was designed to transform the Afor Nnobi roundabout into a five-lane junction to ease traffic congestion, particularly during festive periods.

He emphasized that the project was undertaken in the interest of the state’s development and the welfare of its residents, assuring affected persons that they would not be abandoned.

“The demolition and reconstruction are aimed at improving traffic flow and addressing the gridlocks that have affected the junction, especially during festive seasons,” the governor said.

Soludo further assured the delegation that his administration remained committed to protecting the interests of Nnobi residents, adding that those who had suffered significant losses as a result of the exercise would receive attention.

> “Nnobi is personal to me. I want your community to become one of the best in Anambra State,” Soludo said.

The governor also urged the community to ensure that the proposed site for the construction of the ultra-modern Afor Nnobi Market was ready within a few days. He directed that construction and the subsequent relocation of traders should commence as soon as possible.

According to him, the government would not stand by while people displaced by the demolition exercise were left without shelter or means of livelihood.

Soludo Defends Timing of Reconstruction

Addressing concerns about the demolition, the governor explained that delaying the project for another 10 to 20 years could result in the displacement of even more properties, as further development would likely take place around the junction.

He also disclosed plans to develop similar roundabouts at Eke Nkpor, Orie Agu Abagana, and other locations as part of efforts to improve traffic movement, facilitate human mobility, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of Anambra State.

Nnobi Leaders Present Concerns to Governor

Earlier, the President-General of the Nnobi Town Union, Chief Sir Alloy Olubialu, explained that the meeting was convened to discuss the relocation of Afor Nnobi Market and explore possible compensation for residents and traders whose properties and livelihoods had been affected by the demolition.

Olubialu said the delegation had come to present the challenges facing the community to the governor, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to engage directly with the state government.

Also speaking, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, a prominent stakeholder in Nnobi, said the displacement of residents and traders had caused considerable distress within the community.

He explained that the situation had prompted him to seek an urgent meeting with the governor to ensure that the concerns of affected residents were brought to the government’s attention.

“My people have been feeling horrible since most of them were displaced as a result of the ongoing road construction work at Afor Nnobi roundabout. When I heard about the development, I could not sleep, because everything about Nnobi is very personal to me,” Ezeonu said.

He added, “This is why, Your Excellency, I took it upon myself to contact you, so that our people can lay our anxieties before you.”

High Chief Ezeonu appealed to the governor to ensure the speedy completion of the project to facilitate the timely relocation and compensation of affected persons.

He also pledged the continued support of the Nnobi people for the governor’s administration, noting that Soludo had demonstrated laudable intentions for the community.

Ezeonu commended the traditional ruler and the President-General for their cooperation and contributions to peace and development in Nnobi.

Idemili South Mayor-Elect Commends Initiative

The Mayor-elect of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Oluchukwu Ilogbenu, who is an indigene of Nnobi, described the meeting as fruitful. He thanked Governor Soludo for providing the opportunity for the community’s stakeholders to discuss their concerns directly with him and assured the governor of the continued support of the people of Nnobi.

Ilogbenu also commended High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu for his commitment to the welfare of the community, particularly his efforts to facilitate the meeting between Nnobi stakeholders and the governor.

He explained that Ezeonu had drawn the governor’s attention to the challenges facing Nnobi residents, prompting the invitation of community stakeholders for what he described as a frank and constructive discussion on their welfare.

The meeting concluded with renewed attention to the relocation of affected residents and traders, the development of the new Afor Nnobi Market, and the ongoing expansion of the junction.

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