Anambra News

 Embracing Befitting Living: The Soludo Example BY IZUCHUKWU Adichie Even before assuming the role of governor, Soludo had been a passionate advocate for prioritizing the expression of love and appreciation to our loved ones while they are still alive. He believed in the importance of showing love and honour to our loved ones during their lifetime, rather than waiting to extravagantly celebrate and honour them only after they have passed away. The Anambra Burial Law 2019 has called for a shift in our cultural priorities, suggesting that we should focus on caring for the living instead of excessively focusing on elaborate and costly gestures for the deceased. At the recent reception honouring Supreme Court Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme at Landmark Event Center, one of the highlights was a thought-provoking message from Soludo. He emphasized the importance of celebrating people while they are alive and ensuring that the departed are given a decent burial. His message sparked a deep conversa

 Transition Chairman: Business Mogul Lauds Soludo for Reappointing Amaka Obi By Emmy Young A business mogul, High Chief Hamilton Ezeonu, has lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for reappointing Hon Mrs Amaka Obi as the Transition Chairman of Idemili South Local Government Area. Speaking to newsmen in a telephone  interview the Ikemba Nnobi commended the Governor for being thorough and meticulous in his appointments. He said the appointment of Mrs Obi who has been in the saddle as the Transition Committee chairman of Idemili South in the last two years was the best and one of the most ingenious decision of Prof Soludo. In reappointing Obi, he said, the Governor has shown that he is a listening leader, saying that most Idemili South people want Obi to return to her seat to complete the good work she started. "And that is exactly what he has done. It shows that his ears are on the ground. We commend him. We appreciate his sensitivity to the yearnings of the masses"

 ANAMBRA AS AFRICAN DUBAI IN THE MAKING: WHO’S STILL IN DOUBT? By Christian ABURIME Ours is a society where afro-pessimism is an ingrained habit by which we often assess our leaders, their visions, pronouncements and actions. Perhaps, due to repeated experience of failed promises, citizens tend to take every new promise by leaders with a pinch of salt. That is the stuff of cynicism, a state of mind that doubts everything and makes skeptics out of many Nigerians.  In Anambra State today, a strain of pathological cynicism has also afflicted some observers and critics of government. The source of their doubt is the grand vision of transforming Anambra into a sort of African Dubai in terms of development, as proclaimed by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, during his election campaigns. With over two years into his tenure, critics’ tongues have been waging: where is the African Dubai promised by Soludo?  Well, the critics can’t see an African Dubai in Anambra yet because they neither g

 Soludo 'father to all of us' Anambra Caucus of the House of Representatives says BY IZUCHUKWU Adichie Soludo continues to amaze us all. I often wonder where he gets his boundless energy from given his demanding schedule and commitment to inclusive governance and national economic development. It is incredible to think about how he manages to maintain his rigorous routine, including waking up early for morning mass at the lodge chaplain before diving into his day. Last Friday marked another historic moment in Anambra state, thanks to none other than Soludo - the man of the hour. After returning from a 2-day trip to Abuja, where he participated in the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF) emergency meeting and the subsequent National Economic Council (NEC) meeting with the Presidency, Soludo wasted no time in convening a groundbreaking "family meeting" with the Anambra Caucus of the House of Representatives. Notably, such a gathering had never taken place in Anambra under

 ANAMBRA CAUCUS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VISIT SOLUDO, COMMEND HIS REVOLUTIONARY WORK, SEEK FOR GREATER PARTNERSHIP By Titus Chigozie  Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has recieved the Anambra Caucus of the House of Representatives. The Governor recieved the delegation led by the members representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency, Hon Victor Afam Ogene, at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia. Hon. Afam Ogene appreciated the Governor on his developmental strides in Anambra in various sectors of the state economy including roads infrastructure, health, education, among others. The delegation specifically applauded the Governor for his resolve and attendant action to build a new Anambra government House and lodge, which has been abandoned for thirty three years They expressed their readiness to jointly pursue projects at the centre that will benefit ndi Anambra, applaud the Governor on the massive regeneration going on in Anambra House in Abuja. Hon. Chinwe Gwacham appreciated the

 36 YEARS OLD FRIENDSHIP TAKES GOV. SOLUDO TO UYO, AKWA-IBOM STATE.  By  Mazi Ejimofor Opara  I would like to make this piece as ordinary as possible so my readers can understand the import of Soludo's visit to Uyo earlier today. I am sure Prof. Akpan Ekpo would roundly disagree with the saying that "a friend in power is a friend lost". This is one out of the very many ways Gov. Soludo continues to beat repulsive conventions. I have stayed fairly close enough to him to appreciate that he is a Man who is consistent and true to anyone he calls friend. While he seeks for opportunities to exploit the competitive advantages of his friends by bringing them on-baord critical assignments, what remains constant is the indisputable quality of productive output from these few persons you can rightly call "Soludo's friends". They are not just imposed on opportunities, they come prepared and qualified too. Today, Gov. Soludo was at Uyo to honour his friend of 36 years --

 Soludo's *"STEEZE"* and commitment to financial transparency By Izuchukwu Adichie *” STEEZE"* is trending, thanks to Gen Z. It perfectly encapsulates Soludo's impressive approach to managing Anambra's lean resources while ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability. This is clear evidence that our finances are in reliable hands and assuring that Soludo has built a robust, dynamic economy and ensures transparent and sustainable financial stability and independence. He will undoubtedly leave the state in a more prosperous condition than when he took office. In 2023, Anambra was listed in the fiscal performance table for the first time in history. Additionally, the state was ranked among the top five Best Fiscal Performers in the country and number one in the Presidential Ease of Doing Business in southern Nigeria. Making history in 2024, Anambra, for the first time, secured the number one position as Nigeria's most transparent state in the FISCAL TRANS

 CHIDOKA ECHOED THE MIND OF NDI ANAMBRA: SOLUDO HAS NO OPPOSITION. By Mazi Ejimofor Opara    Somethings are far reaching than the other. In the same vein, some opinions are more superior to the other with variables like context, intention and personality playing important roles in determining how they are perceived. For instance, when an Osita Chidoka, a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps and Nigeria's former Minister of Aviation, says "Governor Soludo has made himself the most Labour friendly Governor", given his background and place as a member of a different political party from Soludo one can comfortably conclude that he is speaking to the data and facts before him, not courting for patronage. It is this quality of opinion that matter in context, intention and personality. Of course it aligns with the preponderance of opinions of ndi Anambra across all walks of life. As at today, just 27 months into the Soludo Administration, there is a consensus th

 Ifeanyi Ubah Bitter Over Anambra’s progress under Soludo By Izuchukwu Adichie Over the past year, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has shown bitterness and jealousy towards the progress made by Anambra under Governor Soludo's administration. Despite having previously praised Soludo as a godsent for Anambra, Ubah's attitude has shifted, showing his true character, leading to numerous attempts to undermine Soludo's stellar performance without garnering significant attention. While Senator Ubah claims to be engaging in opposition politics, his actions, particularly his known "desperation" through his News Online Media team, have been criticized as promoting anti-Anambra progressive news. Ubah's kind of opposition has remained helpless and clueless and has deepened his state of confusion by becoming more unrest with himself. Soludo remains unfazed by Ubah's theatrics and is not giving any thought to his classless opposition. One thing is certain: Senator Ubah will campai

 Gov Soludo emerges as Vice-Chairman, Southern Governors Forum 👇👇👇👇 LEADERSHIP ACROSS BORDERS: GOVERNOR SOLUDO'S RISING IMPACT By Christian ABURIME  The strength and worth of true leadership are often tested and proven in challenging times. So it is in a complex context of governance like Nigeria where moments of genuine leadership do shine through far beyond their immediate impact. And such is the case with the recent appointment of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, the Governor of Anambra State, as the Vice-Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum.  This new development is a profound reflection of the far-reaching leadership qualities and unique approach to governance that Governor Soludo embodies. Held on Monday, June 24, 2024, the Southern Governors Forum meeting in Abeokuta marked a significant resurgence of regional cooperation after a three-year hiatus. This forum, crucial for championing the interests and aspirations of the southern states, saw the unanimous decis

 Nonye Soludo sets the standard high for other governors' wives BY IZUCHUKWU Adichie Mrs. Nonye Soludo has set the bar high for other governors' wives. She firmly believes that the role of a governor's wife goes beyond wearing jewels and tiaras; it's about actively working to improve the lives of the people. Her dedication to creating a better homeland for our children is truly inspiring. We must recognize the depth of her commitment as she continues to represent her husband, children, and our state with grace and determination. She is a driving force behind Soludo's administration goal to achieve zero poverty and promote a healthy living environment in Anambra. Her focus on orientation and protection programs for pregnant and nursing mothers, children, young people, women, men, and market women is commendable and reflects her sincere desire to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Mrs. Soludo plays a crucial role as the eyes, ears, and voice of Governor So

 AS ANAMBRA CONTINUES TO GET A CLEAN BILL OF HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING THE WHY By  Mazi Ejimofor Opara.  It is not surprising that in one day Anambra was ranked number 1 in the entire Country in fiscal transparency and number 2 State in the Southeast with reduced domestic debt profile. Both data coming from credible sources -- BudgIT and Debt Management Office (DMO). These are indicative of strong institutional frameworks and visionary leadership. In Soludo's words, "we are not just building, we are building to last". To help you make sense of these two statistics, what they simply mean is;  -- That Anambra under Soludo has operated an open and people-oriented budgeting system. -- That Ndi Anambra can track their money and pin every kobo to specific projects and programs of government.  -- That Gov. Soludo runs an open-door policy with regards to the resources of the State. -- That indeed, Gov. Soludo has cut the cost of governance to bare bones; reducing all reduceables and

 PLATFORM: APC Anambra should write Soludo a commendation letter BY IZUCHUKWU Adichie The APC Anambra chapter is encouraged to consider expressing gratitude to Soludo for delivering a compelling and insightful address at the PLATFORM event, which focused on sustainable democracy and a stable economy. Despite the absence of a significant APC presence in Anambra state, the few existing members need to acknowledge the positive reception and the stimulating discussions engendered by Soludo's message across Nigeria. Although the APC Anambra chapter doesn't have members with the intellectual capacity to lead national discussions, it is important they actively participate in dialogues about the importance of true federalism, as contained in their 2015 campaign manifesto. This encompasses endorsing a unicameral legislature, devolving exclusive powers to state governments, granting them greater autonomy in overseeing their local governments, managing state mineral resources, and governi

 ACCOUNTABLE  LEADERSHIP: SOLUDO'S ANAMBRA TOPS FISCAL TRANSPARENCY RANKING By Christian ABURIME  Anambra State has done it again! Coming first in positive indices of development has now become a trend in the state. In a world where transparency often eludes public institutions, Anambra has emerged as a frontline paradigm of fiscal responsibility and excellence under the stewardship of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.  The recent accolade by BudgIT, which ranked Anambra State first among all 36 Nigerian states in the States Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL), once again proves the profound impact of Governor Soludo's innovative, responsible leadership. This feat in fiscal transparency is not merely a statistical victory but a further authentication of the transformative governance that has characterised his administration. The SFTL ranking is a meticulous evaluation, scrutinising the availability and comprehensiveness of key fiscal data, the efficiency of state websites an

 Soludo has shattered records and made history as Anambra takes the number one spot in Nigeria's fiscal transparency. By Izuchukwu Adichie. With Soludo's exceptional track record, expertise, and unwavering commitment to fiscal transparency and accountability, it comes as no surprise that Anambra State has achieved the remarkable feat of being ranked number one in fiscal transparency in 2024. These significant recognitions showcase the administration's dedication to transparent budgeting, accessible e-procurement portals, fiscal reporting, and the integrity of the state's website. This reaffirms Soludo's stature as a paragon of good governance, financial prudence, and fiscal integrity. Ndi Anambra has also witnessed the administration's impactful efforts in prudent public resource management. For instance, government offices in Anambra were spending N137 million each month on cleaning public offices until Soludo assumed office and promptly slashed the cost to a m

 ANAMBRA GOVERNMENT BUDGETS 31.7 BILLION NAIRA FOR EDUCATION SECTOR IN 2024. By  Mazi Ejimofor Opara  Part of Gov. Soludo's key driving force is his decision to provide human capital for Anambra State that is relevant at home and exportable abroad, with education as one of his strategic thrust for ending cyclical poverty one is not surprised at the amount of resources he is already appropriated for capital budget in the education sector.  A sneak-peak into the breakdown of the Education sector's capital budget shows that about 364 million Naira will go to the rehabilitation, development and equipping of existing Technical Colleges. Another 10 billion Naira was voted for the Renovation, construction and equipping of Smart schools -- a fresh initiative of the Soludo Administration to mainstream technology into the pedagogy of Anambra school children. To signpost this, the State has already distributed 2000 Laptop computers to school Teachers and Administrators who have undergone

 SOLUDO'S PRESS SECRETARY, CHRISTIAN ABURIME SPEAKS ON RE-AWAKENING THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF VALUE ADDITION By Niyi Lasisi The Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, of Anambra State, Mr. Christian Aburime has identified value creation as the very essence of life and living as exemplified by  Governor Soludo Mr. Aburime stated this in Lagos as a Guest Speaker, at the official unveiling of “The 50 Essentials”, a book authored by Sola Oluwadare of the Lagos Chamberof Commerce and Industry, (LCCI) The Press Secretary who spoke on the topic; "The Legacy of Values", cited the transformational value Governor Soludo has brought to bear in Anambra State. He described Governor Soludo as an exceptional man of value, who is silently creating massive legacies of value in Anambra State within just two years in office. Aburime highlighted as testimonies, the recruitment of 8,115 teachers based on merit, drawn from about 18 states of Nigeria, employment of 1000 medical pe

 SOLUDO INAUGURATES PANEL OF INQUIRY INTO OCHANJA, DMGS ONITSHA BUILDING COLLAPSES, GIVES 28 DAYS DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REPORT By Christian ABURIME Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has inaugurated a panel of inquiry into the building collapse at Ọdụ Igbo, Ochanja and DMGS, Onitsha. This is coming less than twenty four hours after members of the panel were constituted. The Governor performed the function at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia. Members of the panel are  Engr. Sir Victor Meju- Chairman, who is also the Chairman of COREN Anambra State Chapter, he will serve as Chairman,  Arc. Ikenna Eboh- Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architect (NIA) Anambra State Chapter, Member,  TPL. Nwofor Ben Obiora Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP)Anambra State Chapter, Member,  Surv. Gabriel Okeke Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Anambra State Chapter, Member. Others are: Bldr. Kingsley Nweke Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB)

 Soludo Inaugurates COOU Governing Council, says Educational System should be Fit For Purpose By Christian ABURIME The Governing Council of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, COOU, has been inaugurated. Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR performed the function at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka. Members of the council include; Professor Chidi Odinkalu (Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, Igwe Oranu Chris Chidume and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd). The Senate Representatives to the Council include, Prof. K.K. Nwozo, Prof. Angela Nwamuo, Prof. C.C Chukwueloka, Prof. Obi Emeka and Prof. Anselem Nweke while the Congregation Representative to Council are Prof. M.N Chendo and Mrs. Eucharia. According to the Governor, government views the institution as the apex of tertiary institutions in the state, and charged them on building an educational system that is fit for purpose, projecting into wher

 Anambra Muslim  community pays Sallah Homage to Governor Soludo By Christian ABURIME The Muslim community in Anambra State, earlier today, June 18, 2024 paid a Sallah homage to Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR  The Muslim delegation led by Alhaji Sani Onyeabo Ejoh, who is the vice president General/chairman, Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Anambra State, were received at the Governor's Lodge, Amawbia, by Governor Soludo. Alhaji Ejoh while expressing the delegation's gratitude for the warm reception accorded them, told the governor that they were at his residence to pay the usual traditional Sallah homage as the father and leader of the state . He congratulated the governor on his recent award by Champion Newspapers as the Governor of the year on Infrastructure and rural development, as well as his recognition by the Leadership Score Card magazine as the Best Governor of the year in the Growth and Development of Democracy in Nigeria, 2023. He also comm

Anambra Citizen Condemns Senator Ifeanyi Ubah's Political Exploitation of Recent Violence In a shocking display of insensitivity, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah's media team has been accused of politicizing the recent violent incident in his hometown, which resulted in the loss of life. Despite the state government's collaborative efforts with security agencies to bring the perpetrators to justice, Ubah's team has been spreading blame and exploiting the situation for political gain. Governor Charles Soludo's administration has been working tirelessly to combat insecurity in the state, engaging stakeholders and implementing measures such as state vigilante groups and a joint security strike force. However, Ubah's actions have been deemed a brazen attempt to score cheap political points at the expense of the victims and their families. The people of Anambra State have united in condemning Ubah's actions, urging him to cease his political exploitation and show respect fo

 Beyond Soludo's speech at the PLATFORM Nigeria that has caused national conversation By IZUCHUKWU Adichie The speech delivered by Soludo at the PLATFORM NIGERIA event has received widespread acclaim for its powerful resonance with the ongoing national conversation. His selection as the final speaker at the event, despite the presence of several esteemed intellectuals, is a testament to his well-established reputation for effectively engaging in national discourse. His insightful analysis of Nigeria's national landscape, economy, prevailing challenges, trust in Tinubu's government, and the way forward revealed his profound understanding of the country's dynamics. The PLATFORM NIGERIA provided him with the ideal opportunity to express his views on democracy and the state of the Nigerian economy with a clarity and directness comparable to the letters of St. Paul to the Thessalonians. Soludo's message has not faced significant challenges, with widespread agreement on m

 Press Release GOVERNOR SOLUDO CONGRATULATES MUSLIMS ON EID EL KABIR CELEBRATION Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has extended warm greetings and felicitations to the Muslim Ummah in Anambra State and across Nigeria on the happy occasion of Eid el Kabir. In his goodwill message, Governor Soludo stated that Eid el Kabir holds profound significance in the Islamic faith as it commemorates the enduring faith, obedience, and devotion to Almighty Allah.  “As our Muslim brothers and sisters observe this sacred event through acts of charity and communal prayers, it is a time for all of us to reflect on these universal values that bind humanity together,” he said. Governor Soludo reiterated his administration’s steadfast dedication to fostering an environment of religious harmony, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence among all faiths in Anambra State.  The governor also recognized the valuable contributions of the Muslim community to the state’s peaceful devel

 SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY AND FREE MARKET ECONOMY: SOLUDO'S TAKE ON NIGERIA'S RECOVERY By Christian ABURIME  On Democracy Day 2024 celebrating Nigeria’s 25 years of uninterrupted democracy in the 4th Republic, Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo as a guest speaker at The Platform event in Lagos reflected on the nation’s progress with democracy and a free market economy. Revisiting a lecture he gave in 2005 on sustainable democracy, Soludo noted that many of the same issues remain urgent challenges today, despite efforts over the past two decades. He argued that while Nigeria has professed to practise democracy and free market economy for decades, the country has made little meaningful progress, often taking steps forward only to stand still. In his thought-provoking speech, Soludo argued that true democracy and free market economics are integrally linked as vehicles for maximizing liberty, security, prosperity and happiness for citizens. However, he warned that Nigeria’s democra