By Chinenyenwa Nwokebuife
In an exclusive interview with AnambraTimes, Barr. Leo Chiegboka, the Senior Special Assistant to Anambra State Governor and Head of the Anambra State Lagos Liaison Office, reinforced Governor Soludo’s message to Ndi Anambra in Lagos: it’s time to awaken a deep-seated Homeland Consciousness. It’s time to love, build, and invest in Anambra State.
“We, Ndigbo, are a blessed and distinguished people,” he began. “With wisdom, uncommon dynamism, and ingenuity, we thrive like the cactus in adversity and flourish like the cedar in prosperity.” But even with these gifts, he notes, there is an urgent need to turn our gaze inward, to our roots.
Chiegboka urged Ndigbo to reconsider the widespread habit of developing other regions while neglecting their ancestral homeland. “It’s time to redirect our investments homeward,” he said. “We must engender growth, reduce poverty, and spark lasting prosperity in Anambra.”
This redirection is what he calls Homeland Consciousness, also known in Igbo as “Aku Luo Uno”, a powerful philosophy that challenges individuals to replicate their successes back home, build innovation hubs, and attract foreign investment into the state.
He emphasized that nation-building requires unity. “Let’s come together as a formidable force, presenting a common front. Our collective interest must always come before individual sentiments,” he stressed.
Chiegboka didn’t stop at ideology, he encouraged every Anambra indigene to evaluate their personal contribution to the state’s growth. “How are you boosting the state’s revenue? What part are you playing in shaping Anambra’s future?” he asked pointedly.
The message is clear: Do not remain aloof. Now is the time to take active steps—pay taxes, contribute to local causes, and offer your expertise. “Let us all be worthy ambassadors of our homeland, committed to protecting and projecting its image and interests,” he added.
Chiegboka also called for a shift in mindset. “We must reorient our values, reject malicious criticism, and avoid promoting false narratives. Constructive patriotism must take root in our conversations and actions.”
Citing the unity, resilience, and homeland-focused investments of the Jewish people, Chiegboka challenged Ndigbo to learn from their model. “With unity of purpose and our rich endowments, we can uplift Anambra to enviable heights.”
Above all, Chiegboka made a passionate appeal: support the state, financially, morally, and intellectually. “Let us determine to support Anambra painlessly – through taxes, philanthropy, and direct investment. Together, let’s give our full support to Governor Soludo as he leads us to a brighter future.”
With this powerful call, Barr. Leo Chiegboka throws down the gauntlet to Ndigbo across the globe: the time to build is now. The homeland needs you. Let your “Aku” truly “Luo Uno”.
_*Nwokebuife is AnambraTimes Lagos Correspondent_
