- Established in 1966 by the late Dim Chukwuemaka Ojukwu, then Military Administrator of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, the library now faces significant challenges
Senator Tony Nwoye, representing Anambra North, expressed dismay at the extent of infrastructural deterioration and the lack of essential books at the 58-year-old Onitsha Library.
Nwoye voiced his shock during an impromptu visit to the library on Wednesday.
Established in 1966 by the late Dim Chukwuemaka Ojukwu, then Military Administrator of the defunct Eastern Nigeria, the library now faces significant challenges.
During his tour guided by Senior Library Assistant Helen Okonkwo, the senator lamented the “terrible infrastructural decay” at the institution that once played a crucial role in his educational journey.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, Nwoye said, “What I have seen here by myself is not impressive, I could see the level of decay here in terms of infrastructure, I believe that a lot needs to be done to put this Library to its former glory.
“The Anambra State Government, particularly the governor, I know may not be aware of the level of decay and decadence in infrastructures going on here, I call upon Governor Chukwuma Soludo, to visit this place, I am making a passionate appeal and call that is devoid of politics to the governor, to come and fix this place to what it should be.
“This is a library that was inaugurated in 1966 by the then Military Administrator of Eastern Region, our own Ezeigbo Gburugburu, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, when he was in active service in charge of Eastern Region, as Military Administrator. I believe this Library has produced lot of people including my humble self.
“One can decide to read outside his house to avoid distractions, but you can agree with me that this is not a habitable place to do that kind of reading, it is not conducive enough for one to read here, I heard the students during the short interactive section with them complaining about the refuse dump site near the library that gives them offensive order.
“I believe that the state government does not know the level of decadence and infrastructural decay this place is suffering, I know the governor as one who loves education and if he comes here, he will not be impressed with what he will see.
“I am making a personal appeal to Governor Soludo to come to the rescue of this library, the last government attention on this Library was during the time of former Governor Peter Obi, who set up E-Library here but there is no electricity to operate it, that is why I am working for Solar power to be provided here.”
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