Christian Aburime
‘Operation Fantastic’, the much publicized code name for the official launch of the Soludo Promoters Forum (SPF) in Umunze, lived up to its billing as the elites in Orumba came out massively to support the Forum.
Welcoming the Orumba elites to the event, the Convener, Sir Alex Okoli, a US based laboratory Scientist, whose address was read by the elder sister, Mrs Chika Nwajagu, said he was humbled and encouraged by the amazing turn out of the great sons and daughters of Orumba.
He said as elites from different professional background, that this was the time for them to wake up and take charge of things that directly or indirectly affect their lives and that of their children.
He reminded them that in few months from now, precisely by November 2021, the people of Anambra state will be going to the polls to elect an executive governor who will succeed Dr Willie Obiano, the current executive governor of the state.
“My dear elites of Orumba, it is on the basis of the foregoing that we are here today, whether to remain as mere casual political observers or as active participants and drivers of the democratic processes and engagements that will lead to the election of credible and trusted leaders,” Sir Okoli asked rhetorically
He said the Soludo Promoters Forum (SPF) came into existence to address these critical issues, adding that the Forum”s cardinal objective is to re-awaken the political consciousness of the elites so as to propel them to become key determinants of the political future of Anambra state
He thanked Joe Anatune, National Coordinator of the Forum and other key Facilitators which include Barrister Leo Chiegboka, Mr Andy Okafor, Prof Okey Ikeanyibe and many others.
Sir Alex Okoli further said as the people of Anambra prepare to elect another governor by November 2021, the people must look for a personality who has the capacity, intellectual prowess and leadership acumen to take Anambra state to the next level.
“We need a leader who will consolidate on the current achievements of Governor Willie Obiano. A leader who understands the dynamics of the current global realities; whose influence, global contact and network will attract massive in-flow of foreign investments to our dear state,” Sir Okoli said
Continuing, Sir Alex Okoli said without mincing words, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo is the man who fits perfectly into this description.
He said Soludo has been at one time or the other, the CBN Governor, National Economic Adviser, Consultant to several institutions and organizations across the globe too numerous to mention, and a great son of Ndi-Anambra
“Soludo represents the hope we need now in Anambra state and in the future, considering the current realities in the world of which Anambra state is not insulated,” Sir Okoli further said.
He added that as a visionary leader, Prof Soludo has shown that he can visualize the future from the window of his fertile mind. “He has shown this uncommon foresight when he spearheaded the Banking consolidation in the country with amazing success. He has again shared some thought-provoking prescriptions for the EndSARS protests which has now formed the basis of conversations across the country and beyond,” Sir Okoli further added
He therefore called on the Orumba elites not to sit on the fence but to close ranks and support Prof Charles Soludo in all ramifications.
Mr Emeka Okoli the chairman of the organising committee read an exciting and inspiring citation of Prof Soludo’s outstanding achievements and accomplishments to the appreciative audience.
Responding via the telephone, Prof Charles Soludo expressed his profound gratitude to the audience and the organizers, especially Sir Alex Okoli, the Chief Convener.
He said he was highly humbled by the support and commitment of the people towards him. Prof Soludo further said the Post-Pandemic world is going to be very challenging.
“In the next 3 years Nigeria and Anambra state will face a totally different world that will require a lot of disruptive thinking and disruptive action as well in addressing the challenges,” the erudite Professor cautioned.
Mr Joe Anatune, Chief Strategist/National Coordinator of SPF thanked the Orumba elites for their endorsement and support for Soludo and SPF; and the Chief Convener Sir Alex Okoli and the chairman organizing committee of the launch, Mr Emeka Okoli, for a great job. He later led other facilitators and the audience to unveil the Soludo Smart Megacity plan.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief G N Muotolo, former chairman of old Aguta LGA, thanked the organizers and praised Prof Soludo for his accomplishments in his past engagements and as reputable economist and scholar.
Other speakers who took turns to speak such as Dr Chima Okoli also praised and supported the organizers, saying, “Life cannot be changed in a minute but decision taken in a minute can change everything in life”. He called for total support for Soludo
The audience were also entertained by the great Mkpokiti Dancers with breath-taking acrobatic displays which literally put everybody on the edge.
A steering committee comprising Mr Emeka Okoli, Dr Ray Offor, Dr PN Nwankwo, Barrister Nwikpo John, Lady Ebele Nwankwo, Dr Chima Okoli, Mr Augustine Okoli and Mrs Chika Nwajagu was also inaugurated to coordinate the activities of the Forum in the two local governments of Orumba North and South respectively.