…Okongwu, called on Anambra state government to address the issue before the onset of the rainy season,
ANAMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Anambra residents of Enugwu village in Adazi-Enu, Anaocha Local Government Area, have raised concerns over the worsening condition of roads connecting their community to the major Awka-Nnewi highway. In a heartfelt appeal to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the villagers called on the state government to take urgent action before the area becomes effectively cut off, warning that prolonged neglect could severely disrupt daily life, local commerce, and agricultural activities.
While acknowledging the significant strides made by the Soludo administration in road construction and other infrastructural developments across Anambra’s 179 communities in the state’s 21 local government areas, residents stressed that attention must now shift toward rural roads, which have long suffered neglect. They particularly highlighted the Akweze-Adazi-Enu-Nokwa road, describing it as impassable in certain sections and a nightmare for commuters, traders, and farmers who rely on the road for their daily activities.
Speaking to journalists during the 2026 Enugwu Village Day and Awards celebration at the community hall, the Chairman of Enugwu Village, Jideofor Okongwu, called on Anambra state government to address the issue before the onset of the rainy season, which could worsen the road conditions and further disrupt connectivity. He emphasized that the annual village celebration provides an opportunity not only for festivity but also for reflection on past achievements, assessment of ongoing challenges, and planning for future development initiatives within the community.
Okongwu said, “The Enugwu Day celebration, which takes place every January as outlined by our traditional ruler, is a time for all constituent villages to recognize the unique heritage, status, and legacies of Enugwu Village. It is also a platform to teach values, morals, and civic responsibility to our youths, empower our people, and raise funds to support community development projects. Being an agricultural community, we also use this occasion to provide support to farmers through the provision of farm inputs and guidance, ensuring productive harvests that sustain livelihoods.”
He continued, “During this year’s celebration, we are drawing attention to the Akweze-Adazi-Enu-Nokwa road, which connects Enugwu village to other parts of Anambra State and passes through three local government areas—Anaocha, Aguata, and Idemili South. While we appreciate the remarkable infrastructural achievements of Governor Soludo’s administration, especially in urban centers and major highways, the poor condition of rural roads like ours is now severely affecting the lives of residents. Farmers, traders, and other road users are facing immense challenges, and urgent government intervention is required before the situation deteriorates further.”
The chairman pointed out that the state of the road has hindered farming activities, disrupted the transportation of agricultural produce to markets, and limited access to social services such as schools, hospitals, and local markets. “The poor condition of this road has not only stalled economic activities but has also increased transportation costs, delayed emergency services, and generally made daily life more difficult for thousands of residents living along this axis. Businesses have suffered, social engagements are impeded, and people are experiencing undue hardship,” he explained.
While praising the governor’s administration for its overall development agenda under the Solution Administration, Okongwu stressed that more visible attention must now be directed toward rehabilitating rural roads to ensure equitable access to infrastructure across the state. He appealed, “Governor Soludo has performed beyond expectations in sectors such as security and infrastructure, but we are calling on him to extend this excellence to rural roads like ours. The Akweze-Adazi-Enu-Nokwa road is a lifeline for our community, and its rehabilitation is critical for sustaining agriculture, commerce, and general community welfare.”
In addition to the chairman, other community members used the celebration as a platform to reiterate their concerns. Mrs. Ogochukwu Nkwoka, a respected women leader, said the annual Enugwu Village Day fosters unity, collective reflection, and community bonding. “The celebration allows us to come together to share ideas, interact as a family, and strengthen social cohesion. It is also an opportunity to remind ourselves of who we are, our responsibilities, and the work we must do collectively to achieve progress and development,” she noted.
Nkwoka further highlighted the social and economic impact of the bad road on women and children, explaining that the condition of the road affects access to markets, health facilities, and schools. “Our women, who are primarily responsible for trading activities and household upkeep, face tremendous difficulties in transporting goods and accessing essential services. Children walking to school are exposed to dangers, especially during the rainy season, when parts of the road become almost impassable,” she said.
The residents’ appeal underscores the ongoing infrastructure challenges faced by rural communities in Anambra State, where poor road networks continue to limit economic opportunities, restrict social interactions, and impede access to basic services. By leveraging the annual Enugwu Village Day celebration, the community seeks to draw public and governmental attention to their plight, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to restore road connectivity and promote local development.
Okongwu concluded, “We urge Governor Soludo to consider the rehabilitation of the Akweze-Adazi-Enu-Nokwa road as a matter of priority. The people of Enugwu village are committed to supporting the government’s initiatives and will continue to cooperate in ensuring the success of development projects. Our hope is that with government intervention, the road will be restored to a condition that facilitates easy movement, supports economic activities, and ensures the safety and welfare of our residents.”
The Enugwu Village Day celebration, therefore, serves a dual purpose: celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the village while simultaneously providing a platform for advocacy and engagement with the state government. Residents hope that their public appeal, coupled with the visibility offered by the event, will prompt swift action to address the critical infrastructure needs of their community and improve the lives of thousands of people who rely on the road for their daily activities.
