Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on Sunday lamented the escalating threats of flooding and gully erosion in the state, as he called for collective action from residents of the state.

Soludo stated this on Sunday while commemorating Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary at a solemn interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, the state capital.

He called on the citizens to “stop reading the book of lamentations,” but instead take an oath of personal responsibility on a daily basis to make the country and the state great.

In a profound sense of sober reflection, the governor expressed deep condolences over the unfortunate demise of a six-year-old pupil, Success Ezenwafor, who tragically lost his life during a recent flooding incident in the state.

Soludo highlighted that such a tragedy could happen to anyone, stressing that the heartbreaking event underscores why the issue of personal responsibility is so vital.

He said, “The state government has expended tens of billions of naira without significantly scratching the surface of the problem. Tackling flooding and gully erosion is a collective action which must begin with individual choices.

“Therefore, we urge citizens to contain water running off from their compounds, refrain from blocking drainages, plant trees, and clean the drainage systems.

“We pray for the peaceful repose of the soul of Success Ezenwafor, and we urge the public to use the tragedy as a catalyst to take personal responsibility for the environment.

“The event of flooding in recent times showed that everyone has a role to play because this country is our own and we have no other.”

Reflecting more broadly on the state of the nation, Soludo noted that while leaders have come and gone and significant progress has been made, such as growing from only two universities in Nigeria at independence in 1960 to about 10 universities in Anambra alone today, there is still a long way to go.

While expressing his optimism, he described the nation as a glass half-full, rather than half-empty.

The governor further maintained that there should be no complaints or excuses as his administration continues to work hard to keep the state rising and fulfil its contract to the people.

“The citizens should stop reading the book of lamentation and instead take an oath of personal responsibility on a daily basis to make the country and the state great,” he added.

While delivering a sermon with the theme, ‘From bondage to freedom, God’s purpose for Nigeria,’ the Archbishop of the Niger and Bishop of Awka, Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim, emphasised that true independence goes far beyond the mere raising of flags and is fundamentally about allowing a people to determine what they want.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66-year journey through various political transitions, the cleric observed that while governments change and leaders come and go, the nation endures, stressing that individuals in leadership must be accountable for governance and strive to do their absolute best during their time in office.

Addressing the nation’s trajectory, the cleric lamented that the robust agricultural boom enjoyed before independence has significantly waned.

However, he maintained a message of strong optimism, asserting that Nigeria has not failed as a nation, and urged citizens to speak well of the country, bless it and “brighten the corner where you are.”

He lauded the state government for its strides in infrastructure, healthcare, security and human capital development, encouraging the government to sustain its momentum for legacy’s sake.

The solemn service drew a high-powered state delegation and dignitaries, including the First Lady, Dr Nonye Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze; among others.