{BY PETER NWASIKE, Awka}
Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has officially taken the oath of office to start his second four-year term as Governor of Anambra State, completing his full eight-year tenure as mandated by the Constitution.
The oath was administered by the former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onoche Anyachebelu, during a ceremony at Ekwueme Events Stadium on March 17, 2026. The event was attended by notable figures, including former Nigerian Presidents Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (1999–2007) and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015), along with current Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who represented President Alhaji Bola Tinubu.
In his inaugural address, Governor Soludo reflected on a 2006 lecture he gave at the invitation of the Anambra League of Professionals (IAP), discussing the potential of Anambra to evolve into a hub of opportunities for its citizens. He shared his ambitious vision for 2030, where Anambra could become the “African Dubai Taiwan Silicon Valley,” inspired by nations like Dubai that, despite limited natural resources, have successfully trained their populations to be innovative and entrepreneurial.
Soludo recalled how his commitment to patriotism and vision led him to chair a 2010–2011 IAP conference, where he outlined “The Anambra Vision 2070” and developed a comprehensive 50-year developmental strategy for the state. This vision gained broad support, reinforcing the idea that the “African Dubai Taiwan Silicon Valley” concept is a strong and viable development pathway for Anambra.
He highlighted the Igbo proverb, “The animal that volunteered to grow horns must also mature a strong skull,” emphasizing his readiness to assume governance when he was elected in 2022 and his subsequent formulation of the “Soludo Solution: The People’s Manifesto for a Greater Anambra Vision 2070.”
Upon taking office on March 17, 2022, Soludo expressed his concerns over the dire socio-economic circumstances in Anambra, which included criminal activities in eight local government areas and severe infrastructure deficits. He lamented the lack of basic amenities such as water and electricity, the dilapidated state of roads and hospitals, and the absence of qualified teachers in public schools.
Soludo detailed his immediate response starting March 18, 2022, when he focused on Okpoko, a neighborhood known for its poverty. He initiated clean-up efforts and began awarding contracts for significant infrastructure projects. In his first three years in office, he oversaw the transformation of Okpoko from an “urban slum” to a revitalized community.
He described how similar developments were replicated across all 21 local governments in Anambra, with many roads being expanded and improved. He assured the people that these roads would last up to 20 years due to superior construction materials and techniques. Additionally, he emphasized the provision of clean water in line with WHO requirements for 2030.
In his first year, Soludo recruited 8,500 teachers to enhance educational standards, made primary and secondary education free, and implemented health programs for pregnant women. He also launched a skills training initiative for youth, enabling many to become successful entrepreneurs, and revitalized agriculture with the distribution of palm and coconut seedlings to farmers.
Moreover, he constructed a new Government House with over 50 residences while emphasizing a management style of “Achieving More with Less” to complete ambitious projects without incurring debt. Faced with crime during his tenure, he enacted the “Anambra Homeland Security Law,” launching “Operation Udo” to enhance state security with the recruitment of 4,500 youths and bolstered support for local law enforcement.
Soludo announced plans for the regularization of traditional medicine practices to improve public safety and highlighted the notable progress in state security. Today, Anambra is recognized as “The Safest State in Nigeria.”
Looking forward, Soludo reaffirmed his dedication to making Anambra a preferable place to live, work, and invest. He reiterated his commitment to the “African Dubai Taiwan Silicon Valley,” announcing further infrastructure plans, including two new airports and expanded railways, to accommodate future population growth and job creation.
He urged the community to support these transformative initiatives, even if it means sacrificing personal property for the greater good, echoing the sentiment, “To Make Omelets, You Must Break Eggs.”
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima praised Governor Soludo for his vision and dedication, noting how his extensive experience as an academic, economic advisor, and central bank governor positions him as a key player in national development efforts. He emphasized the Federal Government’s support as Soludo strives to establish Anambra as a producer of quality goods on an international scale, contributing to Nigeria’s economic independence alongside its political autonomy.
Furthermore, Mr. Chinedu Nwoye, a former protocol chief and deputy chief of staff, characterized Soludo as a nurturing figure for youth, advocating for their growth through education and entrepreneurial training. He called upon the youth to respond positively to the governor’s initiatives and strive for their own socio-economic advancement in Anambra.
