By Izunna Okafor, Awka
Scrap dealers and scavengers in Anambra State, under the umbrella of Anambra State Scraps Dealers and Scavengers Association (ASSDSA), have declared their unreserved support for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, massively endorsing him for second term in office, ahead of the November 8 governorship election in the state.
The scrap dealers declared their endorsement on Saturday during the Association’s leadership monthly meeting involving members of the State Executive and representatives from the twenty-one local government areas of the state, citing the governor’s transformative leadership and inclusive governance style as their primary reason.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the meeting which held in Awka, the state capital, the State Chairman of ASSDSA, Mr. Azubuike Stephen Igboke, described Governor Soludo as a true leader who has not only recognized the dignity of their labour, but has also given scrap dealers and scavengers in the state a sense of belonging, a strong voice and a legitimate identity. He announced the group’s unanimous decision to back the governor’s re-election bid with what he termed “one hundred percent endorsement,” pledging the association’s grassroots strength and commitment towards ensuring his victory at the polls.
Mr. Igboke, who expressed deep appreciation to the Governor for his numerous people-oriented policies and achievements across sectors, particularly noted the governor’s extensive road constructions, prompt payment of workers’ salaries, infrastructure renewal, and dedicated attention to the welfare of informal sector workers like scrap dealers and scavengers. He emphasized that, under previous administrations, their association was treated with disdain and branded unfairly. However, under Governor Soludo’s leadership, they have not only gained legitimacy but are now proud to be known and recognized as scrap dealers, with an identity that commands respect.
He lauded the governor for swiftly intervening and resolving issues previously faced by the group, including harassments and extortions from certain quarters, and reaffirmed the members’ continued loyalty to the Solution administration.
According to him, the association had sourced the governor’s intervention over their concerns and were impressed by the governor’s responsiveness and fatherly approach. He added that although some challenges still persist, they remain confident that the Solution governor will, as always, come to their aid.
Highlighting their importance to environmental sanitation and public health in the state, Mr. Igboke stressed that the work of scrap dealers goes beyond waste collection.
“We keep Anambra clean by packing and evacuating plastics, cartons, nylons, aluminium, and metal scraps and others from streets, roads, gutters and drainages. We unclog the water channels, we make the environment neat and hygienic. In fact, in some cases, we do more than even ASWAMA, because we deal with the real waste,” he proudly stated.
He also pointed out that waste management revolves around three key principles — Recover, Reuse, and Recycle — which, according to him, the association strictly adheres to. He further explained that, beyond merely evacuating waste, they process them, and with the right support, they could turn them into useful products. To that end, he passionately appealed to the Soludo-led government to provide interest-free loans to enable them acquire recycling machines and set up recycling plants in the state. This, he said, would not only boost their productivity but also contribute significantly to the state’s economy and environmental sustainability.
Reacting to the notion that scrap dealers are synonymous with criminal activities such as vandalism and sale of stolen items, Mr. Igboke was quick to dissociate ASSDSA from such allegations, noting that those responsible for such acts are not their members. He added that the association is committed to integrity and even assists in exposing bad eggs that seek to tarnish the group’s image.
He also poured encomiums on the State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, for his continued support and mentorship, noting that his leadership in the Ministry has helped to enhance their working relationship with government.
On his part, the Patron of the association, Mr. Ephraim Ekwebene, re-echoed the Chairman’s stand and described Governor Soludo as the best governor Anambra has ever had. He praised the governor for the remarkable strides he has recorded in his first term, and reaffirmed the group’s readiness to deliver massive support to him at the ballot box.
“Soludo is a man of vision, and his transformational approach to governance resonates with our own values as an association. We are proud of him and we will give him our full support,” he said.
He further reassured the government and the public that the association remains committed to purging out miscreants who hide under the guise of scrap dealing to perpetrate crimes. According to him, any such individual, once identified, would be exposed and handed over to appropriate authorities.
The event, which drew the state executives and representatives from all 21 local government chapters of the association, also marked a significant political statement as, given the declaration by over 35,000 scrap dealers and scavengers across the state and their pledged support for the Governor’s re-election bid.
