Anambra Draws the Line: All Nigerians Welcome, Criminals Not Wanted

By Uche Eke

The Anambra State Government has reaffirmed its open-door policy towards Nigerians from all parts of the country, declaring that while everyone is welcome to live, work and do business in the state, criminality will not be tolerated.

The Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, made this known in Awka while speaking as a panelist at the 7th Anniversary Celebration of Zaram Life Foundation, themed “From Grassroots Action to Lasting Impact: Building Communities Where Everyone Thrives.”

Speaking on migration and its impact on Anambra State, Mefor described migration, whether voluntary or forced by circumstances such as war, famine and natural disasters, as an inevitable reality that requires inclusive policies and responsible community engagement.

He noted that Anambra understands the importance of migration and peaceful coexistence, pointing out that available records indicate that up to 50 per cent of Anambra indigenes live outside the state.

According to him, Anambra has become a major destination for people seeking economic and social opportunities, earning it the description of the “New York of the South-East.”

He stressed that the state has no reservations about welcoming Nigerians from other parts of the country, especially as Anambra people themselves live, work and conduct businesses in different states.

“Anambra has no problem welcoming people from other parts of the country because our people also live outside the state and expect to be welcomed wherever they go,” he said.

Mefor explained that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration had demonstrated its commitment to inclusiveness through employment opportunities and policies that accommodate non-indigenes.

He disclosed that more than 40 per cent of personnel in the state’s law enforcement agencies, as well as many civil servants, are non-indigenes, describing this as evidence that the government does not discriminate against people based on their state of origin.

The Commissioner further cited the state’s free education policy, which also benefits children from neighbouring communities outside Anambra who cross the border daily to attend public schools.

He said Governor Soludo had insisted that the arrangement should continue in the spirit of peaceful coexistence and the principle of “live and let live.”

However, Mefor emphasised that the government’s hospitality should not be mistaken for tolerance of criminal activities, stressing that the state remains firm in its commitment to protecting lives and property.

“Anambra is open to everybody, but we are not open to crime and criminality,” he declared.

He explained that the government does not profile criminals according to their states of origin, warning that such an approach could lead to the victimisation of innocent people.

Instead, he urged community leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their people by cautioning those involved in criminal activities and promoting peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, the anniversary celebration brought together members, stakeholders and beneficiaries of Zaram Life Foundation’s programmes, providing an opportunity to assess its achievements and strengthen partnerships for greater community impact.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Zaram Life Foundation, Eucheria Onyemaobi, expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations whose support had sustained the foundation’s interventions in community development, empowerment and the fight against child trafficking, abuse and child labour.

She described the anniversary as a celebration of collective commitment to grassroots development and stronger community partnerships.

“This celebration is a reflection of our collective commitment to strengthening grassroots engagement and promoting collaboration among stakeholders across the South-East,” Onyemaobi said.

The Executive Director, who was recently appointed South-East Zonal Coordinator of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), reaffirmed the foundation’s determination to strengthen child protection initiatives and promote sustainable livelihoods across the region.

She called on development partners, stakeholders and well-meaning individuals to continue supporting the foundation’s interventions aimed at protecting vulnerable groups and building resilient communities.

The event featured reflections on the foundation’s achievements over the past seven years and renewed commitments to expanding its reach and impact in Anambra State and beyond.

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