The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has announced that his administration spends over N1 billion naira on mission schools every month.
Soludo made this disclosure while joining thousands of celebrants for Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day Service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, the state capital.
“It costs us over one billion naira monthly. This helps the church moderate the fees they charge in their schools. We are also working to ensure that 77 communities in Anambra without public schools will soon have them. We want our children to have choices, as was the case in the 70s,” he stated.
According to Soludo, the Independence Day Service, also known as the Interdenominational Church Service, is an annual event that unites Nigerians of all faiths to pray for the country.
The governor arrived at the venue alongside his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Chief Judge Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief of Staff Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, and members of the State Executive Council.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo thanked the organizers of the event and stressed the importance of continued prayers for the nation and its leaders.
“Today’s service reminds us that we are first and foremost citizens of Nigeria, and we all have a role in building a strong and prosperous nation. Let us continue to pray for our leaders and the country,” he said.
“Today is a day of Thanksgiving, commemorating Nigeria as a sovereign nation. Your Grace, I appreciate your message; it is very well received. We have important takeaways.
“You reminded us that we had a glorious past before crude oil came. Whether Nigeria improves depends on us. On this note, I bring you a message of collective responsibility. Year after year, it seems that Nigeria’s past is always more glorious than our present.”he said .
Quoting the late Sunny Okosun, he urged the congregation, “Let’s save Nigeria, so Nigeria won’t die.”
“It is easy to complain, but it’s better to take action. If you live in an underdeveloped country, you must multitask—consider farming or other ventures,” he said
The governor called on the clergy to leverage their influence to mobilize the people for action.
“On this 64th anniversary, we must emphasize that, as government representatives here on earth, we all have a duty to serve,” he stated.
He also highlighted his administration’s achievements and reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of the state’s residents.
Recently, he announced a free education policy for senior secondary students in public schools and the commencement of minimum wage payments starting in October.
“Last Thursday, at the Dora Akunyili Women’s Development Centre, we announced that by October, we will begin paying the minimum wage in Anambra. We also extended free, quality education to senior secondary students in public schools,”
“For too long, the government has overlooked the poor. We are making changes to ensure no one is left behind. We will continue to subsidize returned mission schools.”
Earlier, Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, of the Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of Awka Diocese, reminded attendees of Nigeria’s Independence significance and the need for unity and love.
He urged Nigerians to reject hatred, nepotism, and tribalism.
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