The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has reaffirmed his commitment to preserving history and promoting national unity by restoring the original name of the popular Abakiliki Street in Awka.
The move, which has been widely described as courageous and unifying, has drawn strong public commendation.
Speaking during a project inspection and unveiling of the street signpost, Governor Soludo described the event as both emotional and historic.
Addressing the crowd, he said that “every society has its own history and identity which must not be changed without a just cause.”
He recalled that the street had been known as Abakiliki Street since the 1970s over 51 years ago but was renamed Club Road during the last administration for trivial reasons.
“I asked why the name was changed and I was told it was because of clubs along the road. That is not enough reason to erase history,” the Governor said.
Soludo emphasized that street names often reflect historical figures, cities or significant events and should be preserved.
“We must not revise history casually. This is a correction of a mistake,”
He noted that the street, a major access route in the capital, was one of the first roads he awarded for reconstruction on assumption of office.
“Anyone coming to Awka in search of help or opportunity must pass through Abakiliki Street,” he said.
Governor receives encomiums
In a remark, the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Dr. Ossy Onuko praised the Governor’s action.
He said what happened here today is to rewrite history positively as the street had a history since 1974 where the road was registered and named Abakiliki Street.
“Its renaming to Club Road by the previous administration had no documented justification.
“He also pointed out that institutions in Ebonyi State have been named after Anambra people, reinforcing the need for national unity.
Founder of Abakiliki Street, Chief Peter Uzodimma in an emotional-laden voice recounted the long journey since 1974 when he settled in the area.
He said the street was officially named in 2003 following his application but was later changed during Chief Willie Obiano administration.
Tears of many years wiped off
Uzodimma said, “I cried for many years when the name was changed. But today, Soludo has wiped away my tears.
“He must do two terms,” Uzodimma declared, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ebonyi Union, Anambra State Chapter, Chief Chukwuma Moses, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor.
According to him, Abakiliki Street has been in contention for years but today Soludo has ended the controversy.
“Soludo will do eight years and after that go to Abuja as President,” he stated confidently.
Similarly, the Patron of All Ebonyi Indigenes in Anambra State, Mr. Monday Nwokoye, said Ebonyi people were fully behind Soludo.
“We are brothers. The Governor’s work in Okpoko has benefitted us immensely. This is the time to pay him back,” he said.
