Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra assured in Awka on Sunday that his administration was determined to bring succour to the poor.

“We shall break the dynasty of poverty in Anambra,’’ Mr Soludo said at a mass held at St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.

Nigeria became independent of British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

Mr Soludo advocated that the children of the poor should have the same opportunities as the rich children.

“We are on our road to a liveable and prosperous homeland, having the children of the poor attending the same schools with the children of the rich.

“Children of the poor cannot attend schools built by the church, but we are determined to make Anambra a compassionate society, ” the governor said.

Mr Soludo, who emphasised the government’s responsibility of providing basic amenities, said his administration had special packages and grants to encourage mission schools.

Mr Soludo also said his administration was committed to providing basic amenities in health, especially to cover the poor.

He added that the government recently recruited 5,000 teachers and was providing free antenatal and maternal care for pregnant women.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Charles Ndubuisi noted that corruption was the bane of Nigeria but that the country would still get things right and celebrate as the giant of Africa.

Mr Ndubuisi expressed belief in Mr Soludo’s administration as it had demonstrated commitment to the vision of building a liveable and prosperous homeland.

Members of the Anambra Executive Council, lawmakers, and representatives of the armed forces and paramilitary organisations attended the mass.

(NAN)