Anambra at 34: Soludo’s Bold Reforms Redefine Governance

Anambra at 34: Soludo’s Bold Reforms Redefine Governance

As Anambra State marks the 34th anniversary of its creation, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has highlighted the state’s transformation under his administration, urging Ndi Anambra to celebrate both past achievements and the unfolding chapter of progress.

Since assuming office three years ago, Soludo has embarked on reforms that have repositioned Anambra as a hub of innovation, urban renewal, and economic growth. His efforts recently earned him national commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who described him as “The Solution,” during the commissioning of landmark projects in Awka earlier this year.

Soludo, popularly called “The Jinx Breaker”, fulfilled a 34-year-old aspiration by completing the new Government House mini-city, now named the Light House, Awka. His administration is anchored on five policy pillars: security, infrastructure and economic transformation, human capital and social agenda, governance and values, and environmental sustainability.

In urban development, slum communities such as Okpoko have been transformed, with new roads linking previously inaccessible areas, including parts of Anambra West Local Government that had never seen tarred roads. New flyovers, drainage systems, and regeneration projects have also reshaped Ogbaru and other local government areas.

On leisure and tourism, the state now boasts of the Solution Fun City—a facility described as the largest in Africa, housing a Family Fun Centre, Amusement Park, Water Park, and an International Country Club.

In education, the government has recruited 8,115 teachers, introduced free education, and established 22 smart schools with modern facilities. Over 60 secondary schools have been equipped with STEM laboratories, while teachers received tablets to aid learning.

Healthcare delivery has also improved with the construction of five new general hospitals, modernization of existing ones, free healthcare for pregnant women, and the introduction of telemedicine.

Security has been bolstered through the Anambra Homeland Security Law, which birthed “Agunechemba” and Operation Udo Ga-Achi. These initiatives, backed with modern technology, have led to the arrest of kidnappers and demolition of hideouts in areas such as Ozubulu, Isiagu, Oba, and Nnewi. Eight local governments previously under siege—Ihiala, Aguata, Ekwusigo, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, Orumba South, and Ogbaru—have been liberated.

On youth empowerment, over 30,000 young people have benefitted from digital skills training through the Solution Innovation District (SID). The ‘One-Youth-Two-Skill’ programme trained over 11,000 participants, with 7,163 excelling in 65 different skills. More than 1,000 graduates have emerged as millionaires from entrepreneurial ventures, while laptops and job opportunities were provided under the One Million Digital Tribe initiative.

Soludo’s administration has also supported agriculture by equipping farmers with modern tools, ensuring food security and job creation.

His strides have attracted multiple awards, including Vanguard Governor of the Year 2025, The Sun Governor of the Year 2024, Independent Newspaper Governor of the Year 2024 for Urban Renewal, and Best-Performing Governor in Primary Healthcare Delivery 2024, awarded jointly by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dangote Foundation, UNICEF, and the Federal Ministry of Health.

As Anambra clocks 34, observers say Governor Soludo’s audacious and transformative leadership has set the state on the path to becoming Nigeria’s own “Dubai-Silicon Valley.”