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Peter Gregory Obi (CON) served Anambra state from March to November 2006, February to May 2007, and then, from June 2007 to March 2014. The former State Governor has a B.A (Hons) in Philosophy from the University of Nigeria. He also has degrees from Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, London School of Economics, and the Columbia Business School.
He contested alongside Bola Tinubu for the Presidential post in the 2023 General Elections.
NB: BlackGeeks TM is not affiliated to any political aspirant.This post aims to dig into the achievements of Peter Obi as Anambra state governor.
1. DEVELOPMENT OF ANAMBRA’S EDUCATION.
Obi’s givernment is credited with the provision of Internet access and Microsoft Academies to more than 500 secondary schools. Also, more than 700 buses were provided to secondary schools in the State. Boreholes were provided in schools all over the State, as well.
Premium Times also reports that the then Governor distributed 22,500 laptops and 1,400 printers worth N2.65 billion to secondary schools in the state.
2. CLOSING GAPS ON SECURITY ISSUES.
During his tenure, Anambra State started close collaboration with recognized government security agencies, offering them various types of support including the provision of 250 patrol vehicles fitted with sophisticated security gadgets to the 177 communities, markets and registered vigilance groups in Anambra State.
3. IMPROVEMENT OF THE STATE’S HEALTH SECTOR.
The grooming of health-care professionals similarly received serious attention. By the end of his tenure in 2014, over 12 health institutions, including two hospitals, had secured accreditation for their courses and programmes. Prior to his assumption of office in 2006, no health institution in Anambra State was duly accredited – Vanguard NGR.
His Government won the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation grant of $1 Million as the best-performing state in polio immunisation in the South-East. With complementary funding from the Government, they used the money to build 10 Maternal and Child Care Centres across the State, particularly in rural communities, in partnership with the Churches.
4. SUSTAINANCE OF PENSIONERS AND WORKERS.
Peter Obi cleared the debts the previous Anambra government owed pensioners, running into over 37 billion Naira. (Though, Chris Ngige argued that the arrears was only about N7billion). The former State Governor is also known for his consistency in paying workers’ salaries; and commitment to paying contractors on job-completion.
The Nigerian Debt Management Office (DMO) rated Anambra as the least indebted state in Nigeria.
5. COLLABORATIONS, ATTRACTION OF FACILITIES TO THE STATE.
A number of companies were attracted to build their facilities in Anambra State. A case in point is SABMiller, the 2nd largest brewery in the world, which built their first Green Field facility in the State. Another good example is INNOSON Motor Manufacturing Company, a Nigerian automobile manufacturer.
Furthermore, development partners such as UNDP, UNICEF, the World Bank, DFID, the European Union began working with the State.
CONCLUSION.
Peter Obi definitely has a lot more achievements in the bag. He has done it with “integrity” at Anambra state. Can he repeat the same for Nigeria at the National level?
Abdulbasit Toriola is an emerging voice in Nigerian cultural commentary and social analysis. From his corner in Lagos, he documents Nigerian history, current affairs, and explores the extraordinary journeys of Nigerians beating the odds. His works have been published on Africa Prime News and Opinion Nigeria. Connect with Abdulbasit on Twitter @blackboymusings for daily insights into Nigerian life and culture.
