Awka, Anambra State capital, got more than it bargained for in hosting dignitaries during Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term inauguration.
DrumAfricanews reports that it was grandeur, pomp and pageantry as elites of Nigeria converged for the inauguration ceremony of Soludo and deputy governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim for a second term in office as Anambra governor and deputy governor.
Vice President Kassim Shettima; former President Olusegun Obasanjo; ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; former Secretary General of the Commonwealth Nations Chief Emeka Anyaoku; serving and former members of the National Assembly; captains of industry; traditional rulers; business magnets; and the clergy were in attendance.
Amongst the top dignitaries were HRM Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha (Agbogidi); the Ooni of Ife, His Royal Majesty Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Prince Arthur Eze, represented by Mr Izuchukwu Nwabueze; Chief Emeka Offor; and Evangelist Ebuka Obi, sir. Emeka Chibudu, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA); Mr Sly Okenwa, former National Chairman of APGA; Chief Victor Ike Oye; Chief Chidi Anyaegbu; and MD/CEO of Chisco Transport Ltd, former Governor of the state and ex-minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige.
Other guests are the chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Igwe of Obosi, HRM Igwe Eze Iweka; former president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA); elder to Governor Soludo, Chief Emmanuel Soludo; Ernest Azudialu Obiejesi (Obi Jackson); and several others.
The Chief Judge of Anambra State, Hon. Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, administered the oath of office first to the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, at 11:44 am, while Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo took his oath of office and that oath of allegiance at 11:55 am, respectively.
Both the governor and his deputy were flanked by their wives and children at the colourful event held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, located at the three arms of the zone in the state.
This came as Vice President Kassim Shettima challenged governors of the 36 states of the federation to rally round the federal government to uproot the menace of insecurity that has continued to bedevil the polity.
Speaking at the ceremony, he said, “It’s time to come together to fight insecurity that has cast its shadow over states of the federation.”
He noted that the inauguration ceremony of Soludo and his deputy for another term of four years is not only about continuity but also solely the responsibility of ensuring the holistic welfare and development of the Anambra people.
Soludo, in his address, pledged to join hands with his deputy and new executive members to grow and develop the state, adding that the people have not seen anything yet in terms of the innovations and development studies that are to come within the next four years of his government.
“The Deputy Governor, our new Cabinet, and I will dedicate ourselves 24/7 over the next four years to make you proud. For me, this mission is personal. I am driven to build a state where I would be proud to retire, where my children and grandchildren will thrive, and where every Onye Anambra can proudly say, “This is my home!
“Our aspirational alternative future is possible but must begin with disruptive but sure-footed steps founded on existing realities. When the administration assumed office in March 2022, the initial conditions were daunting. It was impossible to begin dreaming of skyscrapers when eight local government areas were under the grip of criminals and kidnappers.”
He noted that cities lacked pipe-borne water and reliable electricity; infrastructure, especially roads, was in a state of severe decay; public hospitals were largely non-functional; and many public schools operated without sufficient teachers.
“Umunne m Ndi Anambra!” (My people of Anambra state) “Uncertainty has become the defining reality of our world today. In such times, only those who think boldly, plan deliberately, and act strategically can shape and control the future.”
He said that “Nigeria, like many nations, faces its own familiar challenges, and making sense of these realities and charting a sustainable path forward is the true test of leadership.”
Soludo pointed out, “Today, I wish to remind us of our shared destination. As the saying goes, if you do not have a destination in mind, any road will take you there. But in Anambra, we are not wandering; we have a clear destination, and we have a compass to guide us. Let me refresh our collective memory.”
The governor stated that “The first four years have been devoted to addressing the basics: restoring security, law and order; addressing waste management and urban regeneration; rebuilding public schools and hospitals; infrastructural revolution, especially roads and unprecedented road dualisation for the present and future generations; breaking the 34-year-old jinx by building a befitting government house and lodge, digitising government processes and mainstreaming transparency and value-for-money governance; restoring public finance on a path of sustainability; rescuing our environment; intentionally investing in leisure and entertainment to turn Anambra into a preferred destination; a revolution for a new social order that is intentional about ecumenism and celebrates order, enterprise and integrity, etc.”
He recalled that, “Some 20 years ago, in 2006, I delivered a keynote address (published) at a conference organised by the League of Anambra Professionals (LAP). ” In that address, I articulated a bold vision: that by 2030 (then 24 years away), Anambra State could be deliberately curated to evolve into an African Dubai–Taiwan–Silicon Valley (ADTS).”
“The logic of this vision was rooted in Anambra’s seemingly difficult geography and demographics, as well as its strategic location, endowments, and the renowned ‘can-do’ spirit of its people.”
“Anambra has the second smallest land mass in Nigeria (after Lagos), yet about 30 per cent of its land is already encumbered by gully erosion and perennial flooding. This leaves the state with arguably the smallest usable land space for habitation and economic activities while still ranking as the second most densely populated state in the country after Lagos.”
Soludo disclosed that the intense population pressure on this tiny expanse of largely porous sandy soil has historically driven large-scale migration out of the state and into commercial pursuits across Nigeria and around the world. Indeed, it is estimated that more than 50 per cent of Anambra indigenes live outside the state.”
“Anambra people can be found in virtually every community across the country and beyond, yet without a sufficiently liveable and prosperous homeland of their own. For decades, Anambra functioned largely as a departure lounge.”
Continuing, he said that given Anambra’s unique strategic location—bounded by Kogi to the north, Delta and Rivers to the south-south, and Imo, Abia, and Enugu to the southeast—the state possesses inherent advantages as a commercial gateway.”
“With Onitsha hosting the so-called largest market in West Africa and the strategic gateway from the southwest into the southeast/south-south, Anambra is naturally positioned to evolve into a major commercial and logistics hub, much like Dubai.”
“When this advantage is combined with the potentially navigable River Niger and sustained, intentional investments in leisure, tourism, and entertainment infrastructure, the foundations of a ‘Dubai-like’ economy begin to emerge.”
“Similarly, drawing inspiration from Taiwan’s development strategy despite its limited natural resources, Anambra can systematically harness its greatest asset—its people. Through sustained and targeted investments in quality healthcare, education, and vocational skills, the state can cultivate a highly productive workforce capable of powering a dynamic industrial ecosystem.”
“Industrial centres such as Nnewi, alongside emerging manufacturing clusters, can form the backbone of this transformation into a resilient and competitive industrial powerhouse.”
He said further that, “In 2020–2021, I chaired the drafting of the Anambra Vision 2070, a comprehensive 50-year development blueprint for the state. ” Over 250 professionals contributed directly to the plan, while thousands of stakeholders across sectors provided feedback and insights.”
“The overwhelming consensus that emerged from this extensive consultative process was that the ADTS vision remains the most compelling and robust long-term development pathway for Anambra.”
He projected that, “By 2070, it is estimated that about 38-40 million people (up from the current 9 million) will be resident in Anambra and probably over 50 million by 2100.” These people will need transport infrastructure, power, jobs, housing, sewage and waste management, schools and hospitals, care for the vulnerable and elderly, etc.”
Soludo maintained that “if we build the skyscrapers and flyovers to be inhabited by the ‘Okeite’ and ‘Ezenwanyi’ generations, our homeland will be desolate and our efforts in vain.”
“Our homeland was being overrun by a new and fast-growing religion and philosophy among our youths that promised and celebrated wealth without work. The implication for criminality was obvious,” he said.
“We promised a revolution towards a ‘new Onye Anambra’, and we are serious about it. With the enforcement of our Homeland Security Law 2025, Oso, Soludo, is real. Hundreds of these dangerous native doctors are on the run. The poster boy of the new phenomenon—Akwa Okuko tiwara aki—has pleaded guilty and been sentenced to a jail term.”
“His massive shrine has been destroyed. We are on a serious crusade for ethical and cultural rebirth—going back to the roots of what made us great and unstoppable—values of enterprise and integrity (aka ‘aja aja na-ebute onu mmanu mmanu’). That way we can rescue our youths and secure the future—away from drugs, cultism, magic, and criminality.”
“Ndi Anambra, today marks the beginning of a new chapter. The road ahead is still long, and much remains to be done. I am not wired to gloat or celebrate the millions of steps already taken; my focus is firmly on the billions of steps that still lie ahead. Our gaze is not on the next election, but on the next generation.
“Over the next four years, we are changing to Gear 4.0 to consolidate the ongoing transformations across all sectors, accelerate actions to secure the spaces and pillars for the prosperity of generations yet unborn, and institutionalise change within a “built to last” framework.”
“We move with urgency—running at the speed of 1,000 km per hour in multiple directions simultaneously. Security and electricity will remain priorities. Anambra’s landmass is rapidly being developed in a haphazard and chaotic manner, making a physical master plan an emergency.”
“That is why we are intentionally securing strategic land spaces as a ‘land bank’ for future developments. With an estimated population of about 40 million by 2070 and nearly 50 million by 2100, the state will require at least three airports, but in the next ten years, there will hardly be any space for them unless we act today. ”.
“We have already planned and invested in four new cities and a district simultaneously: New Niger City near Onitsha; Awka 2.0; the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC), an aerotropolis; and the Innovation District – our own Silicon Valley. The CPCS of Canada has completed for us Anambra’s Rail Masterplan, and our Gas Masterplan is also ready.”
“Electricity remains a national binding constraint, and we are determined to find some local solutions in partnership with private investors and the FGN. Our Electricity Regulatory Commission has set out to guarantee a competitive electricity market. The Mixed-Use Industrial City and Aerotropolis have been approved as an economic free trade zone, and construction is well underway.”
“A 5-star hotel at our International Convention Centre is under construction, while the Coordinated Wholesale Centre (CWC)—the largest drug market in West Africa—is set for commissioning in the first quarter of 2027. These projects are not just buildings and infrastructure; they are foundations for a better life. They will create thousands of jobs, improve access to reliable electricity and transportation, enhance business opportunities, expand trade, and attract private investment.”
By securing land for the future, building new cities, and modernising our infrastructure, we are ensuring that Ndi Anambra will enjoy sustainable economic growth, improved livelihoods, and a prosperous environment for generations to come.”
He stated that, “In a few years, the second airport and a thriving nascent city around it will be delivered, and we will secure space for the third airport—laying foundations for future generations. ” Securing the future is urgent.”
“Many audacious and disruptive transformations are not options—they are imperatives. For example, the regeneration of Onitsha Main Market (“Anambra’s Address”), Onitsha metropolis, and Nnewi are non-negotiable.”
He sympathised with those who may be affected by the inevitable changes required to secure the collective future. “Our human capital transformation is accelerating.”
Soludo also called for partnerships with critical stakeholders: neighbouring states in the South-East and South-South, the Federal Government, the private sector, and the international community.
“I commend the commitment and vision of the current governors in the South-East, and I am convinced that together, we can achieve greatness for our people. Personally, as someone who grew up in the old East Central State, I still see the South-East as ‘one state’—one people who can collaborate to create a united and prosperous homeland for our people.”
In 2027, Governor Soludo declared that “today, the South-East region is performing far below its potential, and this must change for the sake of our future and the generations to come.”
“Several years of self-inflicted but devastating war of attrition, together with the complicit silence of the graveyard, threatened to create a desolate homeland, setting the wheel of development several decades back. How did we get here? In the early 1960s, the Eastern Region was reported as the fastest-growing sub-region in the world. Nine years after the Nigerian Civil War, in 1979, Igbos became the vice president and speaker of the House of Representatives until 1983.”
“From 1999 to 2007, we held the Senate presidency, etc. How all these positions improved the lives of the women in Okpoko, Ngor Okpala, Akwete, Ezzamgbo, or Udenu remains a question for another day. But how did we get to the recent position where we resort to the politics of lamentation? The truth is that we have derailed. Perhaps someday, when we ask the hard questions, it may turn out that the problem may not lie in our stars but within ourselves.”
He said, “Yes, it would be nice (at least emotionally) to see a man with a red cap at the Villa someday, but whether it would matter fundamentally for the average Igbo man is debatable. In 1998, I wrote an article in which I argued that it is possible for an Igbo man to be President, Vice-President, Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives at the same time, and yet Igboland/the ordinary Igbo man may not fare better.”
“Focusing largely on transient ‘positions’ by politicians rather than on frameworks for sustainable prosperity for all misses the major point.”
According to him, “Igboland needs healing. We need a new language, a new narrative and a different approach. First, let me repeat what I stated in my inaugural address four years ago: ‘With Ohanaeze’s estimate that some 11.6 million Igbos live in the North, over seven million in Lagos State, and over 70 per cent of our non-land assets scattered all over Nigeria and the world, we need Nigeria, and Nigeria needs us.’”
“We need Africa and the world, and they need us. We must boldly assert our rights as equal citizens of Nigeria, and there are better ways to agitate for equity and fairness in a democracy. Armed struggle in our context is self-annihilating.”
“We must, without apology, state that never again will we turn the gun on ourselves in the name of agitation. Out of our experience with the civil war and recent developments, Igbos may need a date with history—a day of justice and healing: justice for all the victims of acts of commission and omission and healing of the land, with eternal lessons to teach our children.”
“Second, Ndigbo must play the pan-Nigerian politics of coalition for development. Let us join hands with like minds across Nigeria to agitate for a fairer Nigeria, where everyone has an equal chance to succeed irrespective of language, dialect, region or religion—a restructured and dynamic federation. Ndigbo need to maximise benefits from Nigeria to transform the homeland.”
“But we cannot do so by remaining on the sidelines as social critics and agitators. In a democracy, no one gets what one deserves; you get what you bargain for—with your votes. One obvious way for us to matter and be taken seriously is through the strength of our organisation and votes. I pray that Ndigbo will never waste their votes again.”
“Today, let us commit to unite to launch our own MAGA movement (Make AlaIgbo Great Again—I have seen reference to this on social media)—a crusade for a liveable and prosperous homeland as a proud component of the largest Black country on earth, Nigeria. Let us reinvent our past glories under Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Dr M.I. Okpara and Dr Akanu Ibiam, or even Dr Ukpabi Asika of East Central State after the civil war. Enough of the lamentations.”
“We need to organise and lobby the rest of Nigeria to live out Nigeria’s promise to the South-East and the former Eastern Region after the civil war for massive reconstruction.”
“This would require a deliberate agenda (akin to the U.S. Marshall Plan for Europe after the Second World War) or at least a principle of equality of zones in federal infrastructure distribution (e.g., national highways, gas pipelines, rail lines, river/seaports, etc.). Combined with good governance by Southeast governors and the resilience, innovation and enterprise of our people, the Southeast will soar once again as an axis of opportunity and prosperity. That will be the sustainable response to cries of marginalisation.”
“President Tinubu is a cerebral, courageous and patriotic Nigerian. We trust him to make a major difference for Nigeria and the South East.”
“We thank him for the ongoing federal projects in the South East, especially the Enugu–Onitsha Motorway and the adjunct to the Second Niger Bridge, among others. During his state visit to Anambra on May 8, 2025, I requested, among other things, that Anambra/the South-East be included in the national gas and rail master plans, as well as the dredging of the River Niger for the Onitsha River Port to become operational, and he approved. We expect the agencies involved to deliver.”
“My people of Anambra, Ndigbo, let us seize this moment and make it count. As I gaze into the future, I see nothing but infinite possibilities and opportunities—the ADTS. But only those who plan and organise can control that future. I applied for this job because I am a proud Igbo man and Nigerian—a neo-Zikist and pan-Africanist—who believes strongly in the possibility of reinventing Igboland as a liveable and prosperous homeland within the context of a united and prosperous Nigeria and Africa. Government alone cannot create that future.”
“Only the collective actions of all of us, in partnership with the rest of the world, can make the ADTS a reality. Citizens must pay taxes; obey rules and laws; contribute ideas; make our environment sustainable; say something when they see something, especially in aid of security; and even tar roads, build hospitals and schools, etc.”
“We commend the Anambra billionaires who are transforming their communities and the state under our public-private-community partnership framework. Each of us has something to contribute, however little, to make Anambra great.”
“To our diaspora population (including those in Lagos and Abuja), this is your state: God did not make a mistake in creating you as Onye Anambra. On the last day, He will ask you how you left it better than you met it.”
