Anambra State turned twenty-five on August 27, 2016. The Governor and the State Executive Committee saw the need to celebrate this significant anniversary and then appointed a consortium of two reputable events companies (Great Source Investment Nig. Ltd and Pandora Events Nig. Ltd) to plan, raise funds and execute the activities planned to span a six-month period. The consortium was mandated to work with a state team tagged the ‘Anambra@25 Planning Committee’ led by the Deputy Governor, Dr Nkem Okeke, to give Anambra an event of distinction.
The main focus of the celebration was to take advantage of the peace and security in Anambra State, kick start tourism and tap the tourism potentials of the state, thus, grow its source of revenue and showcase the beautiful scenic environment, civilizations, rich culture and friendly population to the world, making Anambra a holiday destination. Also, the aim of the celebration was to develop hospitality business and small scale trading businesses to service the expected crowd at the events. The six-month event was funded through sponsorships sourced from corporate organizations and high net worth individuals.
His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano, kicked off the celebration on August 26, 2016 with a well-attended World Press Conference, where he invited the world to come and share the warmth, security and rich cultural landscape called Anambra.
On August 27, 2016, His Excellency hosted the state to a banquet at the Governor’s Lodge. The people trooped in, savoring the receptiveness of the Willie Obiano Administration. At the dinner, the Anniversary wrapper and stickers were launched. The Anniversary Cake was cut to the admiration of His Excellency, Chief Alex Ekwueme (former Vice President of Nigeria), Igwe Alfred Achebe (Obi of Onitsha and Chairman, Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers), leaders of the Catholic Church, Anglican Communion and other churches in Anambra, Senators, Members of the House of Representatives and a plethora of dignitaries of Anambra extract.
The Zonal Cultural Fiestas showcased the rich cultural heritage of Ndi Anambra with a display of masquerades, dances and attires. A plethora of Ijele, Enyi, Ugo and other masquerades performed. Most communities in Anambra sent dance troupes and the grounds were colourful. At the Anniversary lecture, Igwe Alfred Achebe (Agbogidi), the Obi of Onitsha, stirred the soul of Ndi Anambra on the virtues of thinking home in our economic investments. Aku luo Uno, as the lecture was aptly titled, explicitly detailed the advantages of backward integration and fiscal growth of Anambra. Ebullient and brilliant discussants included Chief Ifeanyi Okoye (CEO, Juhel Pharmaceuticals Ltd), Dr Cosmas Maduka (CEO, Cosharis Group), Engr Onochie Anyaoku (Fmr GED, NNPC), Mr Fidelis Anosike (Publisher, Daily Times) and Engr Nebolisa Emordi (Fmr Permanent Secretary).
The train of events moved to Port Harcourt where His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano, hosted Ndi Anambra living in the South-South to a rich Gala Nite. Government activities were outlined to the people and their suggestions were noted. The gospel was the involvement of all and sundry to the development of our dear state, Anambra.
Anambra@25 Trade Fair and Exhibition featured many business organizations in Anambra and beyond. It was a 5-day event that was declared open by the Governor, with the Deputy Governor in attendance. On December 16, Governor Willie Obiano bestowed awards and recognition to over 300 Ndi Anambra whose exploits have positively impacted on the state’s development. The event was well-attended. December 17 was the feverish high point of the Anniversary Celebration. A Grand Cultural Carnival in its splendor was organized in Alex Ekwueme Centre, Awka. The communities of the three Senatorial Districts of Anambra North, Central and South came in their numbers with impressive masquerades and beautiful traditional dancers in gay attires. The venue was filled to the brim with enthusiastic Ndi Anambra who had not witnessed a ceremony of this magnitude.
At the Jam Blast, the sky was lit up with fireworks that it seemed as if it was daylight. The Governor, his pleasant wife, Senator Ben Bruce and other VIPs of the state and Ndi Anambra were entertained to a colourful musical fiesta that was so impressive. The Nigerian Breweries Plc ‘Life Beer Brand’ sponsored the events and supplied free drinks to the crowd. The events marking Anambra@25 came to an end with spiritual supplication to God during an interdenominational service held at the Women Development Centre. It was a six-month event that captivated and captured the soul of the state.
