Anambra cities are congested because they are badly planned. Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha have huge primitive markets in the city center. Build 3 lane roads you will still have congestion because everybody and his mother goes there everyday.

If you want to fight congestion you start with planning what goes where. All markets should be walled right around with entry and exit gates and parking spaces WITHIN the premises. This is what you see with modern malls. When the parking lot gets congested they build multi-floor parking. But in Nigeria a primitive market spreads haphazardly especially when it is along a major road. It attracts hawkers because people park OUTSIDE the market rather than inside it.

Frankly, any smart governor should go back to all the markets in the state and have them all upgraded with design forced on them. Minimum standards should include:

1) Maximum # of Shops
2) Security Staff
3) Running Water
4) Centralized Electricity Supply with Transformer(s) and metering
5) Adequate number of Toilets and Conveniences
6) Roofed completely from the elements (sun, rain)
7) Adequate parking spaces
Delivery trucks adhering to off-peak hours
9) All shops and tenants must be registered and pay tax.
10) All Shops must have standardized signage in front (shop number, tenant name).

Many markets should forced to comply with minimum standards and reduced in size to create new ones elsewhere. The state government should ensure all markets are incorporated entities with a management board and that they tap into commercial loans to upgrade and maintain facilities.

Megarule:
Only one suggestion I have to make is that Anambra state government should adopt the mentality of the construction of dual carriage roads especially in its cities.
Single lane roads are okay to connect hinterlands but our 4 major cities : Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi and Ekwulobia roads should be dualized. These single lane roads in these cities now barely cater for the populace of the city. The worst is Nnewi city centre. Those roads around the incomplete shopping mall should be totally dualized. Stores along these roads should be relocated then knocked down in order to get enough room for road dualization.
All the roads leading to the flyovers in awka should be dualized too.
Onitsha roads need dualization.
I'm yet to see mordern cities with few dualized roads like Anambra cities.
Obiano is really doing well in Anambra and he needs to do more.
I just hope that the next governor of the state performs even better than him.
God bless Anambra state.

Shut up your smelly mouth, you know nothing about planning. Anambra, more especially Onitsha has the best planning in the whole of eastern Nigeria. Google earth of Onitsha is there to prove it.

Stop posting rubbish all the time. All the markets that used to be at the city centre have all been relocated to the fringe towns surrounding the city of Onitsha, like building materials at Ogbunike shoe and leather market Nkwelle, Wrapper at headbridge, rod at Atani, Electronics moved from Iweka road to Headbridge etc.. Anambra overall have the best and well organized markets in Nigeria


[s]

mktinsight:
Anambra cities are congested because they are badly planned. Awka, Nnewi and Onitsha have huge primitive markets in the city center. Build 3 lane roads you will still have congestion because everybody and his mother goes there everyday.
you want to fight congestion you start with planning what goes where. All markets should be walled right around with entry and exit gates and parking spaces WITHIN the premises. This is what you see with modern malls. When the parking lot gets congested they build multi-floor parking. But in Nigeria a primitive market spreads haphazardly especially when it is along a major road. It attracts hawkers because people park OUTSIDE the market rather than inside it.

Frankly, any smart governor should go back to all the markets in the state and have them all upgraded with design forced on them. Minimum standards should include:

1) Maximum # of Shops
2) Security Staff
3) Running Water
4) Centralized Electricity Supply with Transformer(s) and metering
5) Adequate number of Toilets and Conveniences
6) Roofed completely from the elements (sun, rain)
7) Adequate parking spaces
Delivery trucks adhering to off-peak hours
9) All shops and tenants must be registered and pay tax.
10) All Shops must have standardized signage in front (shop number, tenant name).

Many markets should forced to comply with minimum standards and reduced in size to create new ones elsewhere. The state government should ensure all markets are incorporated entities with a management board and that they tap into commercial loans to upgrade and maintain facilities.

[/s]

On roads in Anambra State. The blogger did a good job saying it as it is....it's clear he's not a Obiano/APGA otimpku!

Video courtesy of Gbooza!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2YGWgot47c

IGBOSON1:
On roads in Anambra State. The blogger did a good job saying it as it is....it's clear he's not a Obiano/APGA otimpku!

Amawbia bypass requires total reconstruction. The usage by all the big vehicles travelling beyond Anambra has weakened it because of the ongoing work at the Onitsha-Awka expressway. I am sure most road projects shall continue as soon rain subsides.

Megarule:
Only one suggestion I have to make is that Anambra state government should adopt the mentality of the construction of dual carriage roads especially in its cities.
Single lane roads are okay to connect hinterlands but our 4 major cities : Onitsha, Awka, Nnewi and Ekwulobia roads should be dualized. These single lane roads in these cities now barely cater for the populace of the city. The worst is Nnewi city centre. Those roads around the incomplete shopping mall should be totally dualized. Stores along these roads should be relocated then knocked down in order to get enough room for road dualization.
All the roads leading to the flyovers in awka should be dualized too.
Onitsha roads need dualization.
I'm yet to see mordern cities with few dualized roads like Anambra cities.
Obiano is really doing well in Anambra and he needs to do more.
I just hope that the next governor of the state performs even better than him.
God bless Anambra state.

You are making a whole lot of sense. I have been saying this ever since the last administration. We need more dual carraige roads in Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi, I'm happy obiano did quite a few but I hope the next government will be more decisive in doing those, Just like okada ban which many thought would be impossible, government needs to demolish many buildings and compensate where necessary because with the industrial revolution going on in Anambra presently, these tiny roads will not be helpful in the near future.

Bikonu no matter what happens PDP should not return to Awka government house. APGA go fear the masses small but PDP na rugged sophisticated Agberos. I have lived in Anambra APGA might not be perfect but PDP is death sentence. That is when you will know that Chris UBA has not retired from politics.

IGBOSON1:
Youtube clip of the new Coscharis rice mill.

What makes me happy the most is the Anambra youth that have got jobs from this new venture!

Coscharis, Dr Maduka and Nestoil are the largest private investors in Anambra state! If there's anyone else to equal them, i'm all ears..abi na eyes.

When you consider there are about 50 high networth Anambrans as wealthy or even wealthier than these three, then you begin to understand there's still a lot more to do regarding the aku-luo-uno initiative!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbv7VVcxcCw

A big round of applause to willy willy. He promised and delivered. Governance is continous, Ngige made his impact, Peter Obi did well and Willie has not disappointed me. Kudos

IGBOSON1:
On roads in Anambra State. The blogger did a good job saying it as it is....it's clear he's not a Obiano/APGA otimpku!

Video courtesy of Gbooza!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2YGWgot47c

watch that video very well.Apart from the amaobia bridge,other places are not anambra

This Onitsha port issues has dragged for so long... honestly this should be a good news or welcome development but to me I feel indifferent... uncountable failed hopes of reviving the ports is the order of the day so please pardon my indifference..secondly when I read in the national dailies that the port has been concessioned I was not thrilled because it was without knowledge of whom and what is was concessioned for.....

Is quite unfortunate....

Newly purchased Anambra security vehicles



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvnqw5mJcOk

Nnewi high school main entrace remodeled by Nnewi noble son.

SIGHTS AND FEATURES OF ONITSHA CITY MARATHON RACE COURSE

The Onitsha City Marathon, OCM is set as an annual sporting (running) event, over a distance of 21 km from the furthest north side to the southern part of Onitsha along the famous Head bridge axis and beneath the iconic River Niger bridge.

The sporting event is the first IAAF and AIMS certified course in Nigeria. The race was created to promote Onitsha as a center of sporting excellence and also to highlight the unique features and attractions of our local tourism industry: running beneath the River Niger bridge and overlooking the crystalline waters of River Niger will demonstrate the pivotal heritage of Onitsha as a city located on the eastern bank of the Niger River.

The race course covers most areas of the central business district and will showcase the best of Onitsha known as an economic hub for commerce, industry and education. The city also hosts Onitsha Main market, the largest market in Africa based in terms of geographical size and volume of goods.

Along the Onitsha City Marathon course, the runners will pass across historic and iconic sites. Not alone is the course a sight seeing tour along Onitsha, it also entails ideal conditions for running fast. It was heralded as one of the best routes by the IAAF renowned measurer, Norrie Williamson because of its long straight stretches that ensures both elite athletes and recreational runners to enjoy a first-rate race experience.

The participants will behold the following sites along the race course

A) Ime-Obi Palace: with the Palace Grounds, Called ilo-eze (Public Grounds Of the king), and the public entry into these sacred grounds known as the onu-ilo-eze, the Mouth of the Palace is the epicenter of the domain of the Obi of Onitsha, it is the venue of the most major activities involving not only the monarch, but also the people of Onitsha.

� Dennis Memorial Grammar School: Popularly know as DMGS is the first and Oldest Grammar School in South east Nigeria. It was established and opened by the Missionaries in 1925. It’s notable alumni include Professor Kenneth Dike, first African Vice Chancellor of the First Nigerian University, Justice J.P Oki, former Chief Judge Of Old Bender State, Arinze Ifeajuna, Army Major and the first black African to win gold medal at an International Sports event(1954 British Empire & Commonwealth games), Dr Ernest Azudialu (Nestoil), Andrew W. Mellon, etc

C) Upper Iweka Flyover: The flyover represents one of the aesthetic view of the Onitsha city and it represents the cosmopolitan nature of the city

D) River Niger bridge/Port: The River Niger bridge is the most iconic feature of Onitsha which is located at the eastern bank of the River Niger. Onitsha is the City with the biggest River port in Nigeria. The River Niger bridge opened in 1965 has remained the gateway between the West and Eastern Nigeria.

E) Zik’s Mausoleum: Known as Zik’s House represents a symbol of unity which consists of museum housing Zik’s grave and an administrative units on two floors. The administrative block is made up of reception, offices, conference halls, VIP lounge, Museum-cum-archives, video display rooms, research, library, documentation section and conveniences.

F) Ofala Festival: With the Onitsha City Marathon coinciding with the Ofala festival and New yam festival annually, you will have an opportunity to run in the morning and take part in the Ofala festival later in the day.

IN ONITSHA, SPORTS IS A WAY OF LIFE

By running or sponsoring Onitsha City Marathon, you are participating or investing in a sports which Onitsha people are familiar with.
Apart from thousands of residents who run and jog daily, craving an organized marathon or road race to participate in; Onitsha has a rich pedigree in athletics. The city and Anambra State has produced legends:

1) Emmanuel Ifeajuna- The first black African Athlete to win gold at a major International Sports event.
2) Innocent Egbunike - Olympic and World Championship Medalist.
3) Mary Onyali - Olympic Medalist
4) Francis Obikwelu- World Championship Medalist
5) Uche Emedolu- Former World Champion
6) Vivian Chukwujekwu - Former Commonwealth Champion

Apart from its millions of residents from Onitsha and other towns, Onitsha also have some major tourist hubs that will be visited by the runners

A) The Cathedral Basilica of the most Holy Trinity: The Catholic Cathedral is the first and only minor Basilica in Nigeria and it contains the holy relics of Blessed Micheal Cyprain Iwene Tansi, as well as the tomb of Bishop Joseph Shanahan and of the Archbishops Charles Heerey, Stephen Ezeanya and Albert Obiefuna. The building was completed in 1935 and It is the seat of the Archdiocese Of Onitsha.

� All Saints Cathedral: It is the mother diocese (Oldest diocese) of the church of Nigeria (Anglican communion). The diocese was created in 1864 as the diocese of Western Equatorial Africa.

C) Christ the King College (CKC): It was founded in 1933 by Late Archbishop Charles Heerey with his fellow Irish missionaries. It was ranked the number 1 school in Nigeria and 36th in the top best high schools in 2014. It’s Football soccer team won the World secondary school championship in Dublin, Ireland in 1977. Notable alumni include: Professor Pat Utomi, Peter Odili, Former Governor Of Rivers State, Gov. Peter Obi, Former Governor Of Anambra State, Olisa Agbakoba - Legal luminary, Justice Anthony Aniagolu, Dr Pius N.C Okigbo- economist, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Justice and former chairman of the Human rights violation and investigative commission (Oputa panel), Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke, Present Archbishop Of Onitsha, Willie Mmaduaburochukwu Obiano, current Governor Of Anambra State. Etc

D) Main Market, Onitsha: The biggest market in Africa in terms of geographical size and volume of goods.

E) All Hallows Seminary: It was founded in 1924. It has produced over 25 bishops, 8 Archbishops, 2 cardinals, numerous priests and professors to count.

More from Onitsha

Line of secession of Onitsha monarchy from Eze Chime to present day Obi Nnaemeka Achebe.

Link shows the pic on the website.

Onitsha was a literary centre of note in southern Nigeria pre-independence. This was led by the Onitsha Market Literature publications.

One of the publications attached was by a then unknown Cyprian Ekwensi.

Early 20th century Onitsha. Concrete bridge over a calm Nkisi river. This wouldn't look out of place in Onitsha of today.

Pic courtesy Imeobionitsha.org

Banks of the Niger, Onitsha in the 60s. In the distance you can can see the UAC cranes at the Onitsha river port.

Courtesy Imeobionitsha.org

Residence of Helen and Dick Henderson in 60s Onitsha. They took the pics we're now enjoying.

Courtesy Imeobionitsha.org

From the water tower, looking at New Market rd, Onitsha. This was 1962.

Courtesy Imeobionitsha.org

Another pic of New Market rd, Onitsha. Pic taken in 1962.

Concrete bridge, Onitsha, over N’Kissi Creek. Built by R C McWhirter 1908

Courtesy Amightytree.org

The benevolent source of all these images, Helen Gee — as I have said, granddaughter of Robert McWhirter and a career school teacher who specialized in teaching the deaf and working with students having severe reading disabilities

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This is the Lady (Helen) whose house in Onitsha i showed earlier. Her grandfather, Rob McWhirter, built most of the structures in Onitsha at the turn of the 20th century, like those solid looking bridges. This pic was taken in 60s Onitsha.

Courtesy Amightytree.org

Inland Town, Onitsha. Taken 1962

Below, Ilo Ogboli-Olosi viewed at ground level. Note the small marketplace sheltered under the protection of Ani-Olosi (the Mother-Earth shrine and sacred tree of Olosi). A trading center of historical importance, it is now a small, local remnant but still subject to the traditional rules of Ani.

Courtesy Amightytree.org

Inland Town, Onitsha. 1962.

Below, the Sacred Grove of Ogboli-Eke, sister sub-village to Ogboli-Olosi, stands as the largest cluster of high forest remaining in Enu-Onicha (following the destruction of Okwu-Eze after Obi Okosi’s death in February 1961). Where a stand of high forest remains like this, it is associated with Spirit (Alusi), and has some of the character of “Bad Bush”, where dangerous forces accumulate.

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I just love the thick vegetation and forests in Onitsha at the time.

Courtesy Amightytree.org

When we arrive in 1960, the Inland Town boundary is still marked to the west by the Oguta Road running southward from the Roundabout, and to the north (though more roughly) by the Awka Road running east from the roundabout (dividing the Inland Town from the European Quarters still housing mostly Government establishments and officials). Behind this perimeter, the indigenes actively defend their “High-Onitsha” (enu-onicha) space, using such mechanisms as forbidding land transfers to outsiders and mobilizing the Incarnate Ghosts Masquerade organization to intimidate interlopers, and although the boundaries have become permeable (with both immigrant ndi-Igbo and Ndi-Onicha neighbors residing next door to us), those living inside this space are either “Ndi-Onicha” or else they are transients. (We are granted provisional Ndi-Onicha status, living directly above our Ndi-Onicha landlords.) The southern and eastern edge of the Inland Town is marked roughly by the school establishments visible on the map.

Courtesy Amightytree.org

A narration by Helen:

While by 1960 there are many more European style houses and corrugated tin roofs dotting the Inland Town than Leith Ross described for the 1930s, the contrasts still obtain between continuous noise vs. frequent silence, between the Waterside’s omnipresent building construction materials/activities, throngs of traders (mostly men), and horn honking, madcap driving motor traffic, versus the Inland Town’s silent gardens, houses of traditional design, patches of high forest, small groups of women sitting in small and casual village markets beneath great trees, occasional orchestras accompanying brightly-costumed groups moving in aurally enriched dancing formations.

So we rent the upstairs flat at 24 Mba Road (the red Star marks its location on the map) for £12 per month, which at that time is about the limit of what we feel we can afford. The flat is luxurious by typical ethnographer’s standards of the 1960s (which typically extoll much more ascetic conditions), with electricity, running water (usually), and an indoor bathroom and toilet. The owner of the house is Ozomma Albert Erokwu, an Ozo-titled Onye-Onicha serving as a Produce Inspector for the Federal Government, who bought the land from another Onye-Onicha and he is now living in the downstairs flat with his wife Merci and their four children. They are congenial and accommodating hosts. We are in fact very lucky by this choice.

Courtesy Amightytree.org

IGBOSON1:
Onitsha was a literary centre of note in southern Nigeria pre-independence. This was led by the Onitsha Market Literature publications.

One of the publications attached was by a then unknown Cyprian Ekwensi.

Onitsha is what happens when the mental inmates take over the asylum. A city that was center of trade, religion and education degenerated into free-for-all commercial chaos. Unlike Lagos no great organizations or companies formed from all that trade instead its 1 million small shops all operating haphazardly in the name of "competition" with no government to regulate their activity.