Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra has said that the concept of “Stomach Infrastructure” is about providing essential services that improve citizens’ livelihoods, not the distribution of cash or political patronage.
He made the clarification on Wednesday in Awka during a news conference to mark the 34th anniversary of Anambra’s creation.
Anambra was created on Aug. 27, 1991, along with eight other states by the then Military President, Ibrahim Babangida.
Soludo stressed that sustainable development should focus on agriculture, healthcare, quality education, and reliable infrastructure, rather than temporary palliatives.
“Stomach infrastructure is not about distributing cash or offering appointments as special advisers. It is about ensuring residents have access to the basic necessities needed to live with dignity and rise out of poverty,” he said.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts, including the distribution of 2.6 million palm and coconut seedlings to 180,000 households, provision of free education in public schools, and free antenatal and delivery care in government hospitals.
He added that over 1,000 health workers and 8,115 teachers had been recruited, N82,000 minimum wage introduced, and arrears of pensions and gratuities cleared.
The governor further noted that more than 5,000 youths had been empowered, with 8,000 others expected to benefit soon, while 600 kilometres of roads had been commissioned out of a target of 800 kilometres.
“Deploying public resources to create societal values is better than dashing money. That is what Anambra at 34 is about. Our values are based on hard work and integrity,” he said.
He listed achievements in security, urban regeneration, governance, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development, while urging residents to continue supporting state policies.
“Let’s collectively build Anambra of our dream and as your humble servant, I will continue to work round the clock to deliver dividends of democracy,” he added.
(NAN)