By Chuka Nnabuife | ANCISRO
Anambra State’s drive to become Africa’s Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley is firmly on course, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo declared on Tuesday as he and his deputy, Dr OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, were sworn in for a second term at Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka. Even President Bola Tinubu acknowledged the state's rise under the governor.
Soludo said the next four years would consolidate the gains of his first term, stressing that “Anambra is back to winning ways.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to “laying solid foundations for a better life for Ndi Anambra,” with security, electricity, and people-focused development as top priorities.
The Governor also unveiled plans to invest in four new cities, develop an aerotropolis, build a new airport, and sustain strong performance in education, health, and infrastructure.
“A second airport and a thriving new city around it are non-negotiable,” he said. “We are building an Anambra where we can comfortably live in retirement.”
He described the ceremony as “the commencement of intense work” to transform the state into a model African hub of innovation and prosperity in the near future.
The colourful event, featuring a parade by the Nigerian Police and other security agencies, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.
Dignitaries from across Nigeria attended, including Vice President Senator Ahmed Shetima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti; and former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan.
Also present were the deputy governors of Delta, Imo, Enugu, Kaduna, and Ebonyi States; former Anambra Governor, Dr Chris Ngige; and the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Senator Azuta Mbata.
Traditional rulers were led by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Iweka of Obosi; the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; and the Ooni of Ife, alongside others from the South-East and the North.
Captains of industry and clerics in attendance included Evangelist Ebuka Obi, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chief Allen Onyema, and Dr Azudimalu of Obi Jackson, among others.
The Governor was accompanied by his wife, Nonye, and their children, while the Deputy Governor attended with his wife, Oluchi, and family.
Soludo praised his wife as a pillar of his administration, noting her calm demeanour and resourcefulness.
He said his government’s emphasis on people and values inspired widespread public support, including citizen-funded campaigns and a landslide victory in the 8 November 2025 governorship election.
“Political scientists will one day study the Anambra phenomenon,” he said, “as proof that transformational, people-centred governance triumphs over stomach infrastructure politics.”
Representing the President, Vice President Shetima described Soludo as “a man of ideas and solutions,” commending his achievements across key sectors.
He concluded with a prayer: “May Anambra continue to rise.”
• Nnabuife, FNGE, FSNA is the Managing Director of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office, ANCISRO
