Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo has emerged the Vanguard Newspaper’s 2024 Governor of the Year for Good Governance”. Earlier, he was recognized as The Sun Newspaper’s “Man of the Year, 2024”.
These awards are not just honorary titles; they are powerful validations of his visionary leadership and the groundbreaking transformation ongoing in Anambra State. They serve as clear evidence that his administration is delivering tangible progress, reshaping the state’s socio-economic landscape, and setting a new benchmark for governance in Nigeria.
Since the assuming office in March 2022, Governor Soludo has taken bold steps to accelerate development, with infrastructure at the heart of his agenda. His administration has constructed over 400 kilometres of high-quality roads in just two years, ensuring durability with stone base and cement stabilization techniques. The highly anticipated Ekwulobia Flyover, a four-level interchange, is set to ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity, reflecting his strategic approach to urban planning and mobility.
His achievements extend beyond infrastructure. Under his leadership, Anambra has emerged as a national leader in healthcare, winning the Best State in the Southeast Zone and Overall Best State in Nigeria in the National Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge. This recognition, accompanied by a $1.2 million prize, is a direct result of his government’s commitment to healthcare reforms, including the recruitment of over 1,000 health workers, upgrades to primary healthcare centers, and the introduction of telemedicine services, ensuring quality healthcare reaches every citizen.
Governor Soludo has also redefined education in Anambra. By introducing free education up to Senior Secondary School Year 3 (SS3) and abolishing all levies in public schools, he has made learning accessible to all. His administration has further strengthened the sector by recruiting over 8,000 teachers and modernizing 60 secondary school laboratories with state-of-the-art STEM facilities. These investments are laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy, equipping Anambra’s youth for future success.
Economic empowerment remains a top priority for Governor Soludo. His One Youth, Two Skills initiative has provided training and startup grants worth N2 billion to 5,000 young entrepreneurs, tackling unemployment and fostering innovation. Additionally, his administration has distributed over 1.1 million coconut and palm oil seedlings to households, reinforcing Anambra’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and long-term economic growth.
Recognizing that security is fundamental to development, Governor Soludo established a Joint Task Force, integrating state and federal security agencies to combat crime effectively. This initiative has significantly restored peace in previously troubled areas, making Anambra safer for residents, businesses, and investors.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of his administration is its financial prudence. Anambra now ranks among Nigeria’s top five states in fiscal performance and sustainability. By boosting internal revenue generation and maintaining disciplined expenditure, Governor Soludo has ensured that developmental projects are executed efficiently without burdening the state with unnecessary debt.
The prestigious awards from The Sun and Vanguard are not mere decorations—they are a resounding endorsement of a leader whose actions are producing real results. For the people of Anambra, these recognitions reaffirm that their state is on an upward trajectory. With continued support, Governor Soludo’s administration is poised to sustain this momentum, ensuring a prosperous and livable Anambra for all.
