Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed condolences to the family of Success Ezenwafor, a pupil of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School who was swept away by floodwaters in Isiagu, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Success was reportedly on his way to school last Tuesday when the school bus conveying him and other occupants became trapped and overturned in the floodwaters.
Nine other occupants of the vehicle, comprising seven schoolchildren and two adults, were rescued alive by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command in collaboration with concerned residents. They were subsequently taken to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, for medical attention.
Success, however, was swept away by the flood and remained missing until his remains were recovered on Wednesday morning.
Reacting to the incident, Soludo said the loss had deeply affected the Ezenwafor family, the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Primary School community, residents of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area and the wider Anambra State.
The governor expressed his sympathy on Sunday during a church service at the Cathedral Church of St. Faith, Awka, held to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary.
“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.
While noting that the state government had already commiserated with the family through various channels, Soludo used the occasion to call for greater public responsibility in preventing flooding and protecting the environment.
“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.
In a separate post on his Facebook page on Sunday, the governor reflected on the Independence anniversary and the importance of collective responsibility in nation-building.
“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.
