By Chikaodili Obinwa
Mr. Ikeobi Ejiofor, Managing Director, Anambra State Urban Water Asset Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC), says Governor Soludo did not just settle debts; he restored trust and rebuilt a system as he addressed a jubilant crowd at the ASUWAHC headquarters in Awka.
The occasion was a special appreciation ceremony where former staff of the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation and the Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA) formally endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.
Ejiofor, who also chairs the Technical Implementation Committee that oversaw the resolution of the decade-long industrial crisis, described the endorsement as a moment of justice, healing, and rebirth for the state’s water sector.
“Under Governor Soludo’s leadership, we have witnessed the most significant investment in Anambra’s urban water infrastructure in decades — from solar-powered boreholes to modern reticulation networks. Beyond that, we adopted the Public–Private–Community Partnership (PPCP) model to ensure lasting and community-driven solutions.”
The endorsement followed the resolution of a long-standing dispute over unpaid salaries, pensions, and entitlements; grievances that had trailed the defunct water agencies since the early 2000s.
Governor Soludo, through the Head of Service, Barr. Theodora Igwegbe, initiated an out-of-court settlement which led to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and subsequent payment of salary arrears in two tranches — the first in 2023 and the second in 2024
Also speaking at the event, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, praised the governor’s holistic approach to governance.
“What we are seeing today is more than an endorsement. It is a validation of people-centered governance. Governor Soludo’s commitment to justice and infrastructure reform has touched lives that were once forgotten.”
Dr. Obiogbolu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters and former ANSEPA Managing Director, commended Mr. Ejiofor for his tireless commitment.
“Ejiofor has not only carried out his mandate professionally, he has done so with empathy and vision. His leadership at ASUWAHC has been pivotal.”
Comrade Chris Ifeanyi Nwosu, Acting Managing Director of the defunct ANSEPA and State Vice Chairman of AUPCTRE, spoke passionately on behalf of the retirees and union members.
“We were forgotten and left to fade away with time. But under Governor Soludo, our dignity has been restored. No previous government remembered us, let alone paid us. That is why we are here to say: he deserves a second term.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Adebayo Ojeyinka thanked the former workers for their support and encouraged them to carry their endorsement into the ballot box.
“This show of solidarity is commendable. Now, we need to match it with civic action. If you haven’t collected your Permanent Voter Card (PVC), do so immediately and make your voice count.”
He described the peaceful resolution of the dispute as a model for other states and a milestone for the civil service in Anambra.
The ASUWAHC premises were filled with retirees, union leaders and government staff erupted in applause as the endorsement was sealed with a symbolic banner and group photograph.
Chikaodili is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
