By Chigozie Igbo Jr
The Anambra State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) today, 26th August 2025 embarked on an extensive tour of strategic projects executed by the administration of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, reaffirming its role as a watchdog and partner in the state’s development journey. The tour, which formed part of activities marking the union’s 2025 Press Week, was aimed at giving journalists and, by extension, the people of Anambra State first-hand information about the government’s ongoing infrastructure drive.
Among the places visited were the newly constructed Ekwulobia Flyover, the expansive Solution Market and Park in Ekwulobia, as well as the ultra-modern Solution Fun City facility in Awka, the state capital. Each of these projects represents a unique aspect of Soludo’s vision to transform Anambra into a livable, prosperous, and smart mega-city. While the flyover addresses traffic congestion and urban mobility, the market and park provide an organized commercial environment, and the Fun City offers Ndi Anambra a world-class recreational center.
At the Solution Fun City facility, the CEO,Managing Director, Mr. Mohamed Farrag, led the visiting journalists on a guided tour of its various sections. He emphasized that beyond aesthetics, deliberate measures have been put in place to ensure safety, comfort, and a memorable leisure experience for visitors. According to him, the project was carefully designed to meet international standards, thereby positioning Anambra as a tourism-friendly state.
Journalists who toured the facility observed that it combines entertainment, relaxation, and innovative design features, a reflection of Governor Soludo’s commitment to diversifying the state’s economy beyond trade and commerce. The MD added that with effective security architecture and modern amenities, Solution Fun City has the potential to attract both local and international visitors, thereby boosting revenue generation for the state.
Addressing newsmen at the end of the tour, the NUJ Anambra Chairman, Dr. Emeka Odogwu explained that the initiative was fully sponsored by the union as part of its Press Week activities. He stressed that the aim was to enable journalists to independently verify the existence and status of projects across the state and to provide credible updates to Ndi Anambra and the general public.
Dr. Odogwu noted that contrary to claims in some quarters, the projects are not only real but also stand as evidence of ongoing efforts by the state government to deliver on its promises. He however, he added that the NUJ would not stop at physical verification but would also embark on another round of tours in September 2025 to assess the long-term viability, sustainability, and impact of these projects on the lives of Ndi Anambra.
“The NUJ Anambra Council owes it to the people to present the facts as they are. What we have seen so far is commendable, but beyond existence, we want to also measure how these projects are transforming lives and the economy of the state,” Odogwu remarked.
He further urged the state government to ensure that all projects are maintained and operated efficiently to justify the huge investments being made.
The NUJ tour was well received by members of the public, who spoke to journalists at various points of the tour, with many describing it as an important step towards fostering transparency and accountability in governance.
Many believe that such engagements not only strengthen public trust but also encourage government to prioritize people-centered development.
Observers also noted that Governor Soludo’s projects reflect a deliberate balance between infrastructure renewal and human capital development. By investing simultaneously commerce and recreation, the administration appears to be laying a foundation for sustainable economic growth while improving the quality of life of residents.
The NUJ’s initiative serves as a model for constructive engagement between the media and government. As the council prepares for its grand finale of its press week and follow-up tour in September 2025, expectations are high that the findings will provide deeper insights into how these projects are reshaping Anambra State’s socio-economic landscape.