INTERESTINGLY, Government will continue to cater for the schools’ staff salaries, while the Missions will be in charge of general administration.

Discerning Nigerians would note that prior to the unceremonious take-over of these educational institutions in 1970, they easily take credit for the grooming of most of the cream of society – in terms of morals, character, discipline, academics and maturity — who could hold their own anywhere in the world.

The Governor put it succinctly: “Our Government’s commitment to delivering quality education for the good people of Anambra State is total. That is why I have decided that our State shall henceforth be speaking only of acceptable global standards in education, instead of minimum standards”. This bold measure of the Obi administration should be commended as it is a giant stride towards educational restoration.

Private health services in the State have also received regular support from the administration. More recently, Governor Obi disbursed N1 billion [of pledged N3 billion] to selected missionary healthcare providers. The funds would cover money to be utilis ed by the hospitals to improve their infrastructural facilities, including hostels and Accreditation exercises. At the same same, MDG medical equipment worth N135 million were distributed to over 105 Government and Mission health establishments in the State.

These unusual gestures – supposedly spending public funds on private establishments – have continued to confound the erstwhile predators on the State Treasury and self-styled social critics. In their selfish considerations, they fail to recognise that the generality of the pupils, students, patients and personnel of these educational, health and related institutions are indigenes of Anambra State!

This Yuletide, the Obi administration launched a N4 billion Security Trust Fund, and also disbursed N354 million to ensure decent security and road maintenance. It is the second State in the Federation, after Lagos, to launch such a Fund. Similarly, the Government launched a Youth Employment Fund, which has a lot of emphasis on Agriculture and Agro-Business. The Government provided N300 million in seed money, while individuals and private organisations are steadily donating to the Fund. The Governor himself pledged to reach out to eminent indigenes and friends of Anambra to contribute to the worthy cause.

The Obi administration is also actively exploring and exploiting partnerships with the private sector. In the same vein, the State has attracted support and collaboration with Development Partners, including the World Bank, United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], International Fund for Agricultural Development [IFAD] and European Union [EU], and has not defaulted in payment of its counterpart contributions.

Peter Obi is the first Governor of Anambra State to be elected for a second term. Under his management, Anambra State has not borrowed money from any quarters and is not indebted either. And this covers salaries and emoluments, pensions and payments to contractors.

No less significant also is that the Obi administration has restored confidence and self-worth to the generality of the people. Quoted in Sun Newspaper, the Governor asserted that “People who used to command the old order have been put out of business by us … It is no longer possible for you to be a red cap chief without a recognised means of livelihood”.

In spite of efforts to vilify him, people and organisations with a sense of propriety have acknowledged Peter Obi’s attainments in the management of public trust. Could the following, among many others, be flukes?: SUN Newspaper Man of the Year; Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum as well as Chairman of both the Southern Governors Forum and South-East Governors’ Forum; Commander of the Order of the Niger [CON]; ThisDay Newspaper award as Best Governor on fiscal management; Honorary Presidential Adviser on Finance and active Member, Nigeria Economic Management Team.

Under his competent and prudent management, the Ship of Anambra State is being steered to safe shores in the are of developmentfor the good of the people of the State. Indeed, with his ANIDS model, Peter Obi has earned a place as a national leader of clear vision, purpose and integrity.

Mr. Osuji, a commentator  on national issues, wrote from Lagos.