By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants for the November 6, 2021 election in Anambra State, Hon Chris Azubogu, has pledged to return Onitsha to its past glory if elected to steer the leadership of the state.

The lawmaker representing Nnewi North/Nnewi South/Ekwusigo federal constituency in the House of Representatives who stated this during an interaction session with members of his party in Onitsha pledged to make urban renewal his priority.

He also said he will return the commercial nerve center of the state as the catalyst for economic growth and the hub of business activities in the South East geopolitical zone, even while tackling issues that constitute draw backs to the city.

Azubogu added: “I will reopen conversation on the need to return Onitsha to its pride of place as the biggest commercial city in West Africa.

“My promise is that if elected the governor of Anambra State, we will pursue a strategic urban renewal programme for the Onitsha cluster, which will enhance the commercial, residential and industrial potentials of the city as a catalyst for a thriving Anambra economy of our dream.”

Speaking in another forum with party stakeholders in Awka, the lawmaker cited Nnewi and Awka as cities that would be transformed to industrial hubs if wins the election.

“It is unfortunate that the few industries that have survived in Nnewi, for instance, are running on diesel and one can imagine where a vehicle manufacturing company is running on diesel.

“I am assuring our people that Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka will become industrial hubs if I become governor because within 18 months, we will lay gas pipeline from Ohaji Gas Mill in Imo State into Anambra State and cross our state with gas for industrial development,” he added.

Azubogu described the N26 billion yearly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) derived in the state as shameful compared to the N50 billion and N25 billion derived by Lagos and Ogun States respectively.

While saying that Anambra State has enough economic potential to be great, he observed that what is required to harness her resources is yet to be explored.

He harped on the need to open the state economy for real growth, even as he appealed to members of the party to support his aspiration which he noted, is for the future of Anambra State.

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