ANAMBRA ……Light of the Nation: A Compendium
is a photo-prose and comprehensive documentation on Anambra State and its dynamic people. Her political history outstandingly rich culture and traditional institutions, centuries of contact with Western civilization, great milestones in religion and education, captivating natural endowment and tourist sites, as well as ample empirical evidence of her undisputed leadership in commerce, industry, entrepreneurship and transportation in Nigeria are colorfully covered.
The book is indeed an invaluable compendium of information, especially for historical and cultural researchers, prospective investors, international tourists and all Ndi Anambra.
The compendium was compiled and edited by High Chief Emeka Okonkwo, a trained linguist and a professional book editor.
ABOUT THE COMPENDIUM
This publication highlights the historic achievements of the Government and people of Anambra State. The Compendium projects the commercial, industrial and entrepreneurial potentials of the State marking her out as an engine-room of industrialization in Nigeria. It further showcases the rich multi-faceted culture of Anambra State and her natural and archaeological sites that makes the State one of the preferred tourist destinations in Africa. The grandeur that marked the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the creation of Anambra State, no doubt, provided the impetus that kickstarted this historic, giant and priceless project.
A lot of time, resources and manpower was invested in the research of the pictorial and textual materials for this work. It took different teams and crews of investigative journalists and photographers more than a year to cover every nook and cranny of Anambra State, including all important historical, archaeological, industrial, commercial and tourist sites and locations. There were many interviews and photo sessions. Professionals were deployed for frequent cross-checking of information to clear doubts and avoid factual errors. High-level publishing tools and consultants were engaged and the latest technology in printing were deployed to produce this outstanding masterpiece.
The Compendium is divided into 12 chapters. Chapter 1 gives a background history of Ndi Anambra. Chapters 2 and 3 focus on how Anambra State is governed politically and how communities are governed through the traditional institutions. Chapters 4, 5 and 6 highlight the landmark achievements of Ndi Anambra in the spheres of religion, education and medicare; while Chapter 7 showcases the rich tourism potentials of the State under the title: Tourism, Arts & Lifestyle. Chapters 8, 9 and 10 celebrate Ndi Anambra who have achieved remarkable feats and are role models. These people are ascribed as Beacons and Icons. Chapter 11 emphasizes the spirit of competition and mutual cooperation amongst Ndi Anambra which propels them to form and join associations for economic and social upliftment. Finally, Chapter 12 highlights the Anambra@25 Celebrations which showcased the State at its best.
THE FOREWORD
When the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) created Anambra State on August 26, 1991, our hope was that this would help speed up our efforts to bring development closer to our people. At the same time, we created additional eight other states along with Anambra State.
As I look back, 25 years after, it is gratifying to note that Anambra State has proved our vision right. When we created the state and made Awka the state capital, Awka was at best a little better than a rural town. But look at Awka today, there has continued to be giant leaps in infrastructural development in this erstwhile sleepy provincial town. The population has more than doubled. Adjoining towns and communities have continued to be positively impacted upon by the developments in Awka.
The fact that the present administration in Anambra State has taken a decision, backed by legislation, to expand the Anambra State capital territory beyond Awka to a situation where the capital now spans about six local government areas is further proof that we were right in creating more states in 1991.
I am impressed and proud of Anambra State. It is a wellknown fact that Ndi Anambra are not only industrious but also adventurous and creative, particularly, in the pursuit of their livelihood. These qualities have been brought to the fore in the development of the state. Today, Anambra State is one of the states with the best road networks in Nigeria. Almost every part of the state is well linked. More and more rural towns are becoming urbanized. Growth and development has been brought to the people much faster than it could have been attained if we still had the large size of the old Anambra State.
I took a good look at the draft of this Compendium. It is a very rich book and from it, I have learnt a lot about the state and its people. The chapters on the Communities, Tourism & Lifestyle and Enterprise are particularly enthralling. I now know what some of my friends mean when they say “I am proud to be Onye Anambra”. Everyone from Anambra State and indeed, all the stakeholders should be proud of Anambra State. It is my hope that this Compendium will not only serve to educate Ndi Anambra and other stakeholders on Anambra State, but also help to spur more people to realize the endless positive possibilities that abound when we continuously aim to develop and make life better.
General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria (1985-1993)
SOME IMAGES IN THE COMPENDIUM
