By Vincent Ujumadu

AWKA — Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has pledged to adopt strategic interventions aimed at restoring Nnewi’s position as a leading industrial hub in the state and beyond.

Soludo made the pledge during a tour of parts of the commercial city on what he described as a diagnostic mission to identify infrastructure gaps hindering its growth and industrial expansion.

The governor said his administration would focus on neglected infrastructure and underutilised land in the area, with plans to transform Nnewi into a modern and efficient urban centre.

At the Nkwo Nnewi Triangle, where a multi-million-naira shopping complex has remained abandoned for about 17 years, Soludo expressed displeasure over the prolonged neglect of public assets.

“It is unacceptable that public assets intended to drive commerce have been left to rot for nearly two decades. We are here to draw a line in the sand. This facility will no longer be a monument of neglect. We will move swiftly to restore it to productive use to serve the people of Nnewi,” he said.

The governor also inspected the Post Office axis and the High Court premises, noting that his vision is to integrate these legacy sites into a coordinated urban renewal plan that would improve accessibility and enhance public service delivery.

During engagements with stakeholders, Soludo also identified potential sites for strategic housing developments, stressing that quality residential infrastructure is key to sustaining Nnewi’s growing workforce and maintaining its competitiveness as a commercial centre.

He further explained that his administration is mapping out underutilised open spaces for conversion into public parks, recreational facilities and commercial developments.

“Our strategy is simple: we are unlocking the hidden value of Nnewi. By converting dormant spaces into vibrant public parks and productive facilities, we are not just fixing buildings; we are stimulating commerce and restoring Nnewi’s rightful place as a premier industrial nerve centre,” he added.