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Showing posts from May, 2025

Professor Chukwuma Soludo: Three Years of Transformational Leadership in Anambra State

Introduction Since assuming office on March 17, 2022, Professor Chukwuma Soludo has embarked on a mission to redefine governance in Anambra State. His administration has focused on infrastructural development, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, human dignity, equality, and inclusion. While his tenure has been marked by significant progress, some challenges remain. This article provides a brief review of his achievements, areas requiring improvement, and his vision for the future. Infrastructural Development Governor Soludo has prioritized road construction and urban renewal, awarding over 739.6 kilometres of roads across the state, with 420 kilometres already completed. His administration has also undertaken the dualization of major highways, including the Ekwulobia Road and its massive flyovers, the Nnobi-Nnewi Road, as well as the Amansea-Ufuma Road. Additionally, the largest urban slum, Okpoko, has been transformed into a modern environment with functional electricity...

A Deeper Dive: Disability (Down Syndrome) within Igbo Tradition - Navigating Equality, Responsibility, and Lineage

Introduction Igbo society, rich in cultural heritage and deeply rooted in communal values, places a significant emphasis on family, lineage, and the interconnectedness of its members. The proverb "Onye aghala nwanne ya" (one should not abandon their sibling) encapsulates this core principle of mutual support and responsibility within the extended family system. However, understanding how individuals with disabilities, specifically Down syndrome, were traditionally perceived and integrated within this framework requires careful consideration, as direct historical accounts focusing on specific developmental conditions may be limited. The Backdrop A wealthy Igbo family, deeply committed to their Catholic faith, had only one son, who lived with Down Syndrome. While they loved and cared for him deeply, they also strongly desired the continuation of their family lineage, a significant cultural value. When their son turned 19, they arranged a marriage for him with a beautiful...