Soludo begins 2nd term, promises to do more for Anambra
•Obasanjo, Jonathan, Shettima, others grace occasion
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, were, yesterday, sworn in for a second term of four years.
The duo took oaths of office to mark the commencement of their new tenure at a swearing-in ceremony which took place at the popular Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the Anambra State capital.
Speaking shortly after taking his oath of office, Soludo thanked Ndi Anambra for the opportunity given to him and his deputy to serve them in the last four years; and for renewing their mandate at the November 8, 2025 governorship election.
Vice President Kashim Shettima (middle); former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo (4th left); Goodluck Jonathan (3rd left); Governor Chuk-wuma Soludo (4th right); his wife, Nonye (3rd right) and others after the governor’s swearing in for second term, in Awka, yesterday
He said that he was humbled by the overwhelming support he got at the last governorship poll and promised to do more for the state, adding that he was on a mission to make the state a peaceful and prosperous homeland.
Soludo said that his first term achievements were just a tip of the iceberg compared to what is to come, adding that he would start the implementation of his second term plan for the state.
Soludo called on his opponents in the last election to join hands with him in the efforts to rebuild the state, stressing that the state would gain more when the people work together, irrespective of political party affiliations.
“I am and I will continue to be governor for all. Let us join hands together and build the Anambra of our dream”, he appealed.
The governor said that his administration has a clear vision for Anambra and that he would continue to do everything within his powers to deliver on his campaign promises.
Soludo said that his African Dubai Taiwan vision for the state was still alive, just as the state’s Vision 2070, which he chaired sometime in the past. He, therefore, encouraged all to work for the growth and progress of the state.
Soludo expressed dissatisfaction over the condition of Anambra when he assumed office four years ago, and said that he is working hard to repair the damages done to the state in the past.
“When we assumed office, cities lacked pipe borne water, the roads were bad, the transport system was chaotic. But we are working hard to make things right”, he said.
The governor said that the first four years of his administration was devoted to digitising government processes, restoring the environment, and promoting cleanliness, and promised to do more in this second term.
“Anambra is back to winning ways. Sixty-two criminal camps have been dismantled. The Monday sit-at-home is over, and Anambra is one of the safest states in Nigeria today.
Continuing, Soludo said that he was happy that Anambra schools have returned to winning ways following his investments in the education sector.
“We have the lowest out-of-school children in the country”, he added.
The governor lamented the economic condition of the Southeast region, saying that the geopolitical zone is performing far below its potential. He, therefore, called on the leaders of the region to work together to grow the region’s economy.
Also speaking, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, commended Soludo for his transformational leadership, adding that he has done well for Anambra. He said that the Federal Government is open to working with anyone who means well for the country.
“The federal government remains committed to partnering with men and women who mean well for this country”, he added.
At the event were former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; the Archbishop, Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Alexander Ibezim, and the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Reverend Paulinus Ezeokafor, among other prelates.
Also at the event were traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe; Chairman, Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, and others.
