Soludo mourns school pupil swept away by flood in Anambra

Soludo, wife, Anambra deputy governor, Onyekachi Ibezim; and State Assembly Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, during the church service to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary. Credit: Anambra govt

The Anambra State governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, Success Ezenwafor, who was swept away by flood in Isiagu, Awka South LGA of the state.

Recall that Success was on his way to school last Tuesday when the school bus conveying him and other occupants was trapped and overturned by floodwaters.

Nine other occupants of the vehicle, seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command in collaboration with concerned residents and taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (Amaku), Awka.

Success, however, was swept away by the flood and remained missing until his remains were recovered on Wednesday morning.

Soludo, reacting to the development, said the profound loss has deeply touched the Ezenwafor family, the entire Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School, the good people of the Ekwulobia community in Aguata LGA, and the entire state, drawing widespread sorrow among citizens and leaders alike.

The governor conveyed his sympathy on Sunday, speaking at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith in Awka during a church service commemorating Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, and shared in the grief of the bereaved.

“In addition, we offer fervent prayers that Almighty God grants the family, the school, and the community the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable separation,” Soludo stated.

Nevertheless, even though the state government had already commiserated with the family through various channels, the governor used the solemn occasion to issue a vital public safety call.

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“Specifically, we strongly urged Ndi Anambra to take immediate action by containing rainwater running off from their compounds, refraining from blocking drainages, planting trees, and actively cleaning drainage systems.

“Ultimately, while praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of Master Success Ezenwafor, we urged the public to use the tragedy as a catalyst to take personal responsibility for the environment.

“Everyone has a critical role to play in safeguarding our communities, so as to prevent future occurrence of this sad development,” he added.

Also taking to his Facebook page, on Sunday, Soludo wrote, “Today, together with my dear wife Nonye, my Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Speaker, Somtochukwu Udeze, members of the State Executive Council, the House of Assembly, and Ndi Anambra from all walks of life, we gathered at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka for an interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria at 66.

“As we reflect on 66 years of our nationhood, it reminds us that nation-building is a collective responsibility. It requires our resilience, our sacrifice, and our active participation. True freedom, as Archbishop Alexander Ibezim reminded us in his powerful sermon titled ‘From Bondage to Freedom, God’s Purpose for Nigeria’, is beyond the raising of flags. It is about a people determining their own destiny. And while governments will come and go, Nigeria remains.

“Yes, we have challenges. The agricultural boom of old has waned, but Nigeria has not failed. Our duty is to bless this country, to speak well of her, and to brighten the corner where we are. For personal integrity is national integrity.

“As your government, we remain deeply committed to peace, progress and good governance in Anambra.
May Nigeria continue to rise, and may Anambra continue to win. God bless Anambra State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”