Nnewi 'll reclaim its dominant industrial status - Soludo

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Governor Soludo and government officials during his tour of Nnewi

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By Madu Obi

Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has vowed to adopt strategies that would make Nnewi regain it pride position as a dominant industrial hub of the state.

Speaking during a tour of several parts of the city in a move described as a diagnostic mission to identify infrastructure bottlenecks that have hindered the growth of the town, Soludo said his administration would target neglected sites and underutilized land in the area, with a view to transforming the city into a modern, high-functioning urban center.

At the popular Nkwo Nnewi Triangle where a multi million naira shopping complex has remained abandoned for 17 years, the governor expressed frustration at the reasons for the stagnation.

"It is unacceptable that public assets intended to drive commerce have been left to rot for nearly two decades. We are, therefore, here to draw a line in the sand. This facility will no longer be a monument of neglect as we will move swiftly to restore it to productive use to serve the people of Nnewi", he said.

Apart from the shopping mall, the governor also inspected the Post Office vicinity and the High Court premises, explaining that his vision is to integrate those legacy sites into a cohesive, contemporary urban plan that would enhance accessibility and elevate the standard of public service.

While interacting with stakeholders in the town, Soludo scouted locations for strategic housing developments, noting that providing high-quality residential infrastructure is essential to sustaining Nnewi’s expanding workforce and maintaining its competitive edge as a commercial hub.

He articulated a broader vision for the city, emphasizing that his administration is aggressively mapping out underutilized open spaces. The goal, according to him, is to repurpose it for public parks, recreational areas, and new commercial ventures.

"Our strategy is simple: we are unlocking the hidden value of Nnewi. By converting dormant open spaces into vibrant public parks and productive facilities, we are not just fixing buildings; we are stimulating local commerce and reclaiming Nnewi’s rightful place as the premier industrial nerve center of the region", the governor added.