CHRISTIAN ABURIME
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has joined family, friends, and associates to commemorate the 80th birthday of former Chief Judge of the state, Justice Paul Obidigwe.
During the event held in Onitsha, the Governor paid tribute to the legal expert’s legacy of service and dedication.
“On behalf of the government and the great people of Anambra, we are here to celebrate a man who truly deserves to be celebrated,” Governor Soludo stated.
He emphasized that the jurist’s contributions have been profound, noting, “His life has left Anambra State better than he met it. It is not how long we live; we live to matter.”
The Governor highlighted Justice Obidigwe’s ongoing commitment to the state, noting his recent work on sensitive community issues. “He still continues to serve. In fact, he just submitted a report on the inquiry into the Awka kinship tussle. Justice Obidigwe has made an impact in the society, the church, and his profession. He has lived a life of impact, and this book being launched today will be an inspiration to all and sundry.”
Speaking about the state’s developmental agenda, Governor Soludo used the occasion to sound an urgent alarm regarding environmental sustainability. He warned that the state is grappling with severe ecological challenges that require collective action.
“Anambra is facing a major existential threat,” the Governor cautioned. “30 percent of our land is encumbered by flooding and gully erosion. Our people block the drainages, and that is why we declared statewide sanitation.”
Outlining the government’s strategy to mitigate these risks, Governor Soludo stressed that environmental enforcement would become a permanent feature of his administration. “We will be doing it regularly—tree planting, clearing drainages, and clamping down on illegal mining,” he affirmed.
The event reached its highpoint with the ceremonial cutting of the birthday cake in honor of the celebrant.
