Standard bearer of the Social Democratic Party, Dr. Obinna Chukwudum Uzoh, shares riveting insights into his vision to reposition Anambra State. He spoke to Louis Achi. Excerpts:
As a politician of note, especially one aspiring to govern a strategic state like Anambra, what really is your conception of governance?
It is necessary to stress good governance here. I conceive good governance as central to meaningful human development and social progression. It has eight major characteristics. It is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable, transparent, responsive, effective and efficient, equitable, inclusive and follows the rule of law.
It assures that corruption is minimized, the views of minorities are taken into account and that the voices of the most vulnerable in society are heard in decision-making. It is also responsive to the present and future needs of society. Deficits in these areas give rise to conflict and set back human development. The lack is the reason for our developmental woes expressed in retrogression and socio-political stagnation that you can observe.
Key good governance deliverables must include security of lives and property on the one hand, and economic development-cum-human development on the other. Our operational Constitution requires in Section 14(2)(b) that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.
Good governance is not an esoteric project or process. It is epitomized by predictable, open and enlightened policy-making; a bureaucracy imbued with professional ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, with a strong civil society participating in public affairs.
The imperatives I have laid out can really not be overstressed. They have guided my politics for over two decades. These flow from my deep belief that, law, faith, business, philanthropy and politics fundamentally address transformation of the human condition for better.
The conception of governance you have enunciated should have a foundational linkage to your vision of changing Anambra State. Can you share this?
I have nursed a strong vision of transforming my home state Anambra from the infrastructure-challenged land of giants that it currently is, to a modern state. You certainly cannot deny abiding this imperative. As a 21st Century development and technological model that I aspire to transit the state to, other states, regions and the country at large can clone and grow the inspirational model.
The foundation for this vision is rooted in my abiding belief in God and my over three decades of entrepreneurial engagements and impactful interventions in diverse humanitarian theatres.
My Anambra folks are widely recognized for their industry, courage and resourcefulness. These qualities have enabled us survive as a people in the face of daunting existential challenges. It’s worth recalling that at the state’s creation in August 27, 1991, by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime, Ndi-Anambra had over 75 percent literacy level and boasted extra-ordinary human and material resources. These attributes need to be given a new direction, new discipline and new energy. God has given me the vision to do this.
I have identified 10 key sectors that deserve total focus to transform the state. These include security, infrastructural development which is foundation for transformational industrialisation and will support Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka as critical technology hubs, real agricultural revolution. Deploying a transparent, judicious and efficient management of resources, I will empower our people with skills acquisition, mainstream our judiciary, step-up sports development, provide microfinance for SMEs and pursue an integrated development scheme that should fundamentally change the game in Anambra State.
Permit me to make it very clear that I am not contesting the 2021 governorship election in my state lightly. It was a product of deep introspection and wide consultation. I want to partner with all stakeholders to salvage, save, secure, develop and prosper Anambra State.
I believe that at this moment of our national history and the rapid changes impacting both the continental and international arena, Anambra needs a deep but temperate personality and thinker to guide its journey. Many may not know this. With all modesty, the fate of Anambra State has fundamental connections with the fate of Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.
You are reputed to be one of the biggest philanthropists in South-eastern Nigeria. What’s the inspiration behind this compelling course?
I deeply believe that God did not lift me for nothing. There must be a strong reason for the elevation of any particular human being. One must give back to society and humanity. Speaking for myself, it is a sacred duty. Let me share with you that from a very challenging personal journey, I founded and nurtured the GOCUZ Group of Companies – a very successful conglomerate comprising Gocuz Oil Services, Gocuz Engineering, Gocuz Chambers, Gocuz Construction, Gocuz Finance & Security and Gocuz Farms Limited. This has made me a widely travelled man both nationally and internationally with considerable connections and affiliations. So God has blessed me and humanity should be meaningfully be touched too.
Personal modesty shouldn’t prevent me from letting you know that I am the only Papal Knight (Knight of Saint Gregory the Great) in the governorship race. Don’t forget that Anambra State is a highly religious community. The dominant churches in Anambra State are the Catholic and Anglican Churches – and then the Pentecostals.
Can you share a few examples of how you have impacted humanity through your notable philanthropic interventions?
A few years ago, I donated a 110-room ultra-modern students’ hostel at the Holy Family Youth Village, Awka to the Catholic Church. This came barely one year after I built and donated an imposing church complex in Ihiala – the All Saints Parish complex, in Umunnamehi, Ihiala, which was dedicated by the Papal Nuncio in Nigeria.
Because of the high value I place on education, I have awarded scholarships to many students in primary, secondary, colleges of education, polytechnics and universities across the country. I have also awarded special scholarships to indigenes of Anambra State in Medicine, Law, Accountancy and Engineering, et cetera.
I built and donated a three-storey building for the Law Faculty of Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State; built, donated and renovated schools across the country, constructed and equipped several computer and science laboratories in secondary and tertiary institutions in Anambra State and distributed text books and instructional materials to schools across Anambra State.
I am also involved in establishment of SME for indigenes of Anambra State and involved in road construction/rehabilitation of rural roads in the state. I have provided boreholes, rural electrification and donated transformers to towns and villages in Anambra State with financial and moral assistance to Non-Governmental Organizations across the country. I have also donated drugs for free medical outreaches to St. Charles’ Borromeo Hospital, Onitsha, Anambra State.
I have established a special fund for assistance to pregnant women, widows, disabled people and people with heart, kidney, lung, sight and spinal cord problems. I have also assisted young traders, school leavers and graduates to set up their own businesses through a revolving loan and I am involved in sports development through sponsorship of local football competitions, track and field events.
QUOTE
I have identified 10 key sectors that deserve total focus to transform the state. These include security, infrastructural development which is foundation for transformational industrialisation and will support Nnewi, Onitsha and Awka as critical technology hubs, real agricultural revolution
