Anambra: A State’s Chequered Journey

Anambra State has long drawn attention for the people it has produced and the economic strength concentrated in its markets and industries. Yet its history also reflects the political failures that have hampered Nigeria more broadly.

The territory now known as Anambra once formed part of a larger state with Enugu as its capital. On August 27, 1991, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida created additional states, splitting the old Anambra into Enugu State and the new Anambra State, whose capital became Awka.

The state’s limited landmass, the article argues, is offset by an exceptional roster of internationally recognized figures. They include Pan-Africanist and freedom fighter Nnamdi Azikiwe, novelist Chinua Achebe, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, former African sprint champion Mary Onyali-Omagbemi, and music teacher and composer Laz Ekwueme.

Anambra’s economic importance extends beyond its educated and skilled population. Onitsha Main Market is described as the largest market in West Africa, while other major markets across the state generate substantial revenue. Onitsha and nearby towns form the state’s commercial hub. Nnewi serves as its industrial centre, with industries including motor spare-parts manufacturing. With sufficient support, the article says, Nnewi could become the “Japan-China-Dubai of Africa.”

But the state has also experienced the same political problems that have weakened Nigeria: poor, wasteful and corrupt leadership. The article singles out Chinweoke Mbadinuju, who governed from 1999 to 2003, accusing his administration of running the state aground. Schools closed, public institutions became paralyzed, and civil servants and retirees went unpaid. Mbadinuju subsequently failed to win re-election. The article then turns to Chris Nwabueze Ngige, whose rise to office was aided by political benefactor Chris Uba, but the supplied text ends as it begins describing their eventual disagreement.