Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has called on residents to take greater personal responsibility for protecting the environment, following the recent death of a schoolboy in a flood incident in the state.
Soludo made the call on Sunday, September 27, 2026, during an interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor expressed condolences to the family of six year old Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, who died after being swept away by floodwaters in Awka South Local Government Area. His body was recovered on September 23 after search efforts.
Soludo described flooding and gully erosion as major environmental challenges facing Anambra, saying the state government had committed substantial resources to addressing the problems but that government intervention alone could not completely tackle them.
He urged residents to help prevent flooding by controlling water runoff from their compounds, keeping drainage channels clear, avoiding activities that obstruct waterways and planting trees.
The governor called on citizens to use the recent tragedy as a reminder of the need for collective environmental responsibility.
“Everyone has a role to play because this country is our own and we have no other,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s development since independence, Soludo acknowledged the progress recorded over the years but said more work was still required to realise the country’s full potential.
He urged Nigerians to move away from constant lamentation and embrace personal responsibility in contributing to national development.
Speaking on the theme, “From Bondage to Freedom: God’s Purpose for Nigeria,” the Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, said true independence should go beyond the celebration of national symbols and include the ability of citizens to determine their future.
Ibezim also called for accountability among political leaders, urging those entrusted with public office to use their positions to contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Archbishop expressed concern over the decline of Nigeria’s agricultural sector from the level it enjoyed before independence but maintained that the country still has significant potential for growth.
The thanksgiving service was attended by the Governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo; Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake; Head of Service, Barrister Ngozi Iwouno; local government leaders, members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly, security commanders and other dignitaries.
The event also provided an opportunity for state leaders and residents to reflect on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence and the responsibilities of citizens and government in building safer and more sustainable communities.
