Anambra Exco approves ₦604m infrastructure projects, bars private use of Ekwueme Square
The Anambra State Government has approved contracts worth about ₦604m for road and other infrastructural projects aimed at boosting economic growth and improving living standards across the state.
The government also approved arrangements for the second-term swearing-in of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the approvals were made during the second meeting of the State Executive Council in 2026 held at the Light House in Awka on March 2.
Mefor said the swearing-in activities would consist of three main events — an interdenominational service on Sunday, March 15; the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, March 17; and a thanksgiving service on Sunday, March 22.
He added that the council also evaluated and welcomed the sentence handed down to Anambra native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as “Akwa Ọkụkụ Tiwara Akị”, as well as the destruction of his shrine and “Oke Ite” pots as part of efforts to restore moral and social order in the state.
According to the commissioner, the council described the action as a step towards re-establishing the state’s moral values.
He said the government’s efforts were guided by the Igbo philosophy, “Aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ”, meaning that hard work leads to prosperity.
Mefor also announced that Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka would henceforth be reserved strictly for government functions and would no longer be available for private events.
He said the facility is now considered an extension of the Light House, while the multipurpose arena of the Awka Township Stadium would host private events previously held at the square.
Among the projects approved by the council is the release of ₦164.4m as cost overrun for the construction of an IAAF-standard five-lane spray system track and natural grass pitch at the Ekwulobia Stadium Complex.
The council also approved ₦72.6m for road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043-kilometre Afor Nkpor–Eke Obosi Road.
In addition, ₦121.9m was approved for the supply and installation of 10 units of 40-foot containers to serve as temporary accommodation for security personnel in various locations across the state.
Other approvals include ₦172.2m for the construction of an asphalt surface on the internal dual carriage driveway at the International Convention Centre in Awka, and ₦175.4m for building an asphalt surface on the service lane leading to the State House of Assembly and the High Court complex in Awka.
The state government had earlier in January approved contracts worth about ₦16.7bn for road, electricity and other infrastructural projects across the state as part of efforts to improve infrastructure and drive economic growth.