Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed his condolences to the family of Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School who died after being swept away by floodwaters in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area.
Success was travelling to school last Tuesday when the bus carrying him and other passengers became trapped and overturned in the flood.
Nine other people in the vehicle, including seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command with assistance from local residents. They were taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (Amaku), Awka, for medical attention.
Success, however, was carried away by the floodwaters and could not be found until his remains were recovered on Wednesday morning.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Soludo said the death had caused deep sorrow for the Ezenwafor family, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School community, residents of Ekwulobia in Aguata LGA and people across Anambra State.
The governor expressed his sympathy on Sunday during a church service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
Soludo prayed for strength and comfort for those affected by the tragedy.
He said the state government was also using the incident to remind residents of the importance of taking steps to reduce the impact of flooding in their communities.
The governor urged Ndi Anambra to properly manage rainwater flowing from their compounds, avoid obstructing drainage channels, plant trees and regularly clear drainage systems.
He also encouraged residents to see the incident as a reminder of the need for individual responsibility in protecting the environment and preventing similar tragedies.
While praying for the peaceful repose of Success Ezenwafor, Soludo said everyone had a role to play in protecting communities and reducing the possibility of another occurrence.
In a separate message shared on his Facebook page on Sunday, the governor said he attended the thanksgiving service alongside his wife, Nonye, his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, members of the State Executive Council, members of the House of Assembly and other residents of Anambra.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Soludo described nation-building as a shared responsibility requiring resilience, sacrifice and active participation from citizens.
He referenced the sermon delivered by Archbishop Alexander Ibezim, titled “From Bondage to Freedom, God’s Purpose for Nigeria,” saying true freedom goes beyond the symbolic raising of national flags and involves citizens having the ability to shape their own future.
The governor acknowledged the challenges facing the country, including the decline of Nigeria’s agricultural fortunes compared with previous years, but maintained that the nation has not failed.
He urged Nigerians to contribute positively to the country, stressing that individual integrity also contributes to national integrity.
Source: PUNCH
