Anambra’s urban renewal: Reflections in the global mirror 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban renewal vision is a carefully orchestrated symphony of economic, cultural, infrastructural, and environmental revival, much like the rebirth of cities that have risen from their ruins, weaving together the threads of their past and future. His plan echoes the transformation of places like Singapore, once a humble trading post, now a gleaming metropolis with a seamless balance between modernity and nature.

The tale of urban renewal in Anambra didn’t begin today. Years ago, the state partnered with UN-HABITAT to shape the destiny of its cities—Awka, Nnewi, and Onitsha—yet, despite noble intentions, these efforts fell short. It was as though Anambra had received a map but lacked the resolve to embark on the journey. Today, under Soludo’s leadership, this story has taken a new turn. The once blurred vision has sharpened into a focused blueprint, and the dormant seeds of progress are finally sprouting.

Awka, the capital, can be likened to a young tree whose branches stretch skyward but whose roots had been neglected. Rapid population growth and haphazard development had left the city devoid of the lush green parks, cultural landmarks, and public spaces that breathe life into world-class cities. But now, a new chapter is unfolding—Soludo’s vision for Awka 2.0, a city within a city, is blossoming on 5,000 hectares of land. This is not just expansion; it’s a reinvention. While Awka 2.0 will boast the trappings of a modern metropolis, Awka 1.0, the city we know today, is also being restored and revitalised, much like a historical quarter given a fresh coat of paint in cities such as Kyoto, where tradition and progress walk hand-in-hand.

Awka, the heart of Anambra, much like Seoul in the post-war era, is beginning to knit together its fragmented identity. The Aroma overpass bridge, under construction, will soon bind Ifite Awka and Zik’s Avenue, much like Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Expressway project, which linked once-isolated districts into a cohesive urban fabric. The roads, once ravaged by time and erosion, now gleam like freshly paved streets of Singapore’s Marina Bay, symbolising the dawn of a new era for the capital. Plans for “Awka 2.0,” with its green spaces, tech hubs, and entertainment centers, echo the visionary urban designs of cities like Dubai, where innovation and progress reshape the skyline.

Further south, Onitsha, a city long defined by its immense markets and bustling commerce, is experiencing its own renaissance, not unlike the transformation of Istanbul’s historic bazaar districts. The regeneration of Upper Iweka and Okpoko axis is reminiscent of how once-chaotic Istanbul neighborhoods evolved into modern urban spaces, with well-paved roads, organised trade, and enhanced security. Onitsha’s renewal, complete with street cameras and sparkling water fountains, cleanses the city’s image, much like how Istanbul revitalised its rundown quarters into thriving cultural hubs.

Ekwulobia, often overlooked but integral to the state’s economic network, can be likened to the regeneration of Porto, Portugal, where new bridges and roads connected the once-isolated town to major trade routes, reviving commerce and tourism. With the ongoing construction of a long-span concrete bridge in Ekwulobia, a lifeline to neighboring Imo State is being established. This bridge will serve as a crucial artery, enabling the seamless flow of people and goods, much like Porto’s Luis I Bridge, which symbolised a gateway to new prosperity.

Nnewi, the industrial hub of Anambra, mirrors cities like Bandung in Indonesia, known for its industrial prowess and rapid urbanisation. Roads in Nnewi, much like those in Bandung, are undergoing reconstruction to support the growth of its manufacturing sector, ensuring that the city remains a beacon of economic vitality. Soludo’s administration, much like the Indonesian government’s urban renewal programmes, is paving the way for greater industrial efficiency and connectivity.

Moving eastward, the sprawling Ogbaru axis, including the infamous Okpoko slum, is slowly shedding its image as Africa’s largest urban slum, much like how Rio de Janeiro’s favelas were transformed through urban planning and social development.

The streets of Ogbaru, once riddled with crime and chaos, are now being revitalised into structured communities with modern amenities. The sight of street traders relocated to dignified spaces mirrors the transformation of Rio’s Complexo do Alemão, where crime-ridden neighborhoods were given new life with government intervention.

In the northern territories, Nsugbe and the 33 axis, once isolated from the heart of urban progress, are now connected like the outskirts of cities in Malaysia, where road networks and infrastructure expansion bridged the gap between rural and urban economies.

This development echoes how Malaysia connected its rural villages to larger cities, ensuring that no area was left behind in the nation’s progress.Oba and Aguleri, much like smaller towns in Japan during their post-war reconstruction, are quietly being reimagined, with plans for better roads, water systems, and greener spaces. These regions, once forgotten in the shadows of larger cities, are now being brought to the forefront, much like how Japan’s countryside was transformed through strategic urban planning and local industry development.

The grand narrative of Anambra’s urban regeneration paints a picture of hope, where each city—like jewels in a crown—is polished and refined to shine in its own right. The state’s transformation, much like the post-war rebuilding of cities across Asia and Europe, signals the birth of a new Anambra, where economic, social, and infrastructural renewal converge to form a beacon of progress.

Governor Soludo’s vision is not merely to rebuild; it is to transform Anambra into a global contender, where every city, town, and village plays its part in the state’s grand ascent.
Dr. Mbeki wrote from Awka, Anambra State.