Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo has described volunteerism and community engagement as powerful tools to meaning development of any society.
She underscored the place of mentorship and knowledge-sharing in nation building, stressing that continuous transfer of knowledge would fuel innovation and excellence.
Nwafulugo spoke in Awka, Anambra State at the the 3rd edition of the Anambra Man Of The Year (AMTY) awards, an annual event that celebrated excellence, industry, courage, achievements and impacts of Anambra people in the state and country at large.
The event themed: “Gbakotanu Ka Anyi Dozie Obodo Dike (Come Together Let Us Develop The Land of the Great)” witnessed no fewer than 42 personalities, brands, institutions conferred with awards for their innovation and outstanding contributions towards development of the state and betterment of humanity.
Delivering keynote address, the Rector identified critical sectors the State had excelled, including education, health, security and infrastructure, calling on sons and daughters of the State at home and in diaspora to consider investing their wealth and resources in the spirit of think-home initiative towards building a virile State.
She said, “In our pursuit of a brighter Anambra, our commitment need to extend beyond words to tangible actions. It is not enough to envision a prosperous state, we must actively participate in its realization.
“Volunteerism and community engagement are powerful tools that allow us to contribute meaningfully to the development of our land. As we come together, let us foster a culture of mentorship and knowledge-sharing.
“The experiences and wisdom of those who have excelled in their fields can be invaluable resources for the younger generation. By creating platforms for mentorship, we ensure a continuous transfer of knowledge that fuels innovation and excellence.
Describing healthcare as heartbeat of a thriving community, Nwafulugo said Anambra deserved a healthcare system that would leave no one behind.
“As we come together, let us prioritize accessible and quality healthcare, ensuring that the well-being of our people remains at the forefront of our development agenda.
“A healthy population is a productive one, contributing significantly to the overall progress of our state. Anambra has one of the highest number of human capital globally in the health sector. The state can leverage on this vast human capital and build a world class health sector.
“It is also imperative we leverage on our logistics and trade capacity to drive economic growth. Anambra has the highest investment in the logistics sector of our nation. We are actually the leading state in logistics. The state therefore can be a logistics hub in the west Africa sub region leveraging on its very large trading capacity to grow the GDP.”
On education, the Rector stressed the need for both government and private sector to form a synergy targeted at laying solid foundation for brighter future for generations to guarantee sustained growth and development of the state.
“We must invest in education to empower our youths with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate an ever- evolving world. An educated society is a resilient society capable of overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities for growth.
“By supporting initiatives that enhance learning, we lay the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come. We must lay a solid educational foundation for our children to guarantee sustained growth and development of our state,” she opined.
While commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo-led administration for making education free in the public schools, Nwafulugo stressed the need for full implementation of the initiative so the aim which was to ensure absence of out-of-school child in the state was achieved.
“It is good to note that Anambra has one of the fastest growing educational sector in Nigeria especially the secondary education. We must however, continue to work to uphold this. It is also important we do not relent in making the state an education tourism destination that attracts capital.
“Security is another area we must work seriously at until we get it right. It is a key area that needs to be tackled as it reassures the people of their safety and that of their businesses.
“Security enhances growth and development. Insecurity on the other hand scares investors away, causes capital flight and strangulates the economy. The security of lives of our people and their properties is sacrosanct.
“It is necessary and imperative to lend full support to the government in the bid to maintain peace and security in our beloved state and ensure economic stability. The input of every well-meaning Anambrarian is therefore solicited to arrest the tide of insecurity.”
While calling on the awardees, dignitaries at the occasion to join hands together for the development of the state, the Rector argued that scripting a narrative of greatness would not only resonate within the borders of Anambra but far beyond.
“I look forward that the Anambra Man of the year award will be a catalyst for a new era of collaboration and development. As we come together, let us be guided by the vision of an Anambra that stands as a shining example of progress and unity.
“The journey ahead may be challenging but with our collective determination and shared commitment, we can truly develop the land of the great,” she added.
Earlier, former Imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Emeka Ezeonu, who chaired the event said the event was not just celebration of great achievers in the state but a platform for collaboration, innovation and pursuit of excellence for the state.
“Anambra is known for setting the pace in Igboland and Nigeria at large. That is why everyone must join hands to keep moving the state forward, Ezeonu, Harvard-trained Professor of Biochemistry added.
