By Praise Chinecherem
Acting National Youth Leader of Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu has commended Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo over his recent call for Churches to reduce the cost of education in their schools.
The governor had made the call over during the 2023 Prayer Rally of the Anglican Communion held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka.
School fees in most of the mission schools in the state are quite exorbitant, and beyond reach of the vast poor population, most of whom made sacrifices and contributions towards their establishment.
The governor had told Church leaders to take more care of the poor people through reduction of school fees so as to give every child equal opportunity.
Reacting to the Governor’s call, Okpalaezeukwu described speaking truth to power as an outstanding character of fearless leaders, which he regretted was lacking in most persons occupying leadership positions today.
“If a governor, who wields power for the interest of the people cannot speak or take actions to the benefit of the led, then there is no hope for the common man.
Soludo has again exemplified himself as a fearless leader, committed to challenging and resolving very difficult trends that had hitherto left the poor masses in a precarious situation,” he said.
The youth leader further praised Soludo for identifying critical but difficult areas of governance, and taking decisive steps to address them.
He added, “We all saw what the governor did with education where he observed the massive decay in the public and the resultant influx into the private schools.
“He has already began transformation of the sector with the recruitment of 5,000 teachers and is on the verge of recruiting another 3,000.
“The governor has also announced free education for primary and JSS classes and slashed the fees for SSS classes to N5,000. This has put an end to the extortion going on in the various schools.
“In health, the governor has recruited personnel to make up for the manpower shortfall, as well as announced free ante-natal and delivery services to pregnant mothers, eradicating the regime of extortionist fees.
“On road infrastructure, the governor is introducing a revolution and the contractors are on their toes, having understood that it is no longer business as usual.
“This direct appeal to the church leaders to slash their schools, speaks to the sufferings of the poor masses, which nobody had summoned the courage to talk about.”
While enjoining the governor to sustain his legendary administrative pattern, Okpalaezeukwu assured him that youths in the state were solidly behind him in his efforts to better the lots of the people.
He also commended the initiative of the maiden Anambra Youth Conference, where the Governor briefed the youths in details, on the journey so far, and his targets for a secured, fertile and livable homeland; even in the face of numerous challenges.
“By the conference, Mr Governor has shown commitment to the tenets of accountability, transparency and responsive governance.
“It is my belief that the conference has helped grow the youths’ trust in the Soludo administration and this will further promote citizens’ participation in the state governance,” Okpalaezeukwu stressed.
