On March 17, 2022 when Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, assumed office as Governor of Anambra State, he pledged a new era of citizen-centered governance — one where the government would not rule from afar, but work hand-in-hand with the people. Today, that vision is unmistakably taking root across the length and breadth of Anambra.
From his earliest days in office, Governor Soludo has insisted on breaking down the traditional barriers between the government and the governed. Rather than operating behind closed doors, he made community engagement the cornerstone of his leadership. Throughout his administration, he has personally led a series of town hall meetings, traversing various local government areas to interact directly with Ndi Anambra. These sessions are not mere formalities; they are spirited conversations where farmers, traders, artisans, youth groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and professionals freely voice their needs, offer solutions, and demand accountability.
Transitioning from promises to practice, the governor institutionalized these town hall interactions, ensuring they became regular features of Anambra’s democratic culture. In the build-up to key policy decisions — such as the Anambra Urban Renewal agenda, the Solution Health initiatives, and interventions in the education sector — citizens were actively consulted. Their input shaped the scope, design, and implementation of projects, a marked shift from the old practice of top-down decision-making.
Accessibility has become a hallmark of Soludo’s governance style. Through multiple platforms, including dedicated help desks, open-door policies, and publicized citizen engagement programs, the administration receives real-time feedback from residents. Beyond formal structures, Governor Soludo often makes unscheduled visits to project sites, public offices, markets, and institutions, witnessing firsthand the progress of government interventions and hearing directly from the people.
An illustration of this was seen during his inspections of projects such as the Solution Fun City in Awka, the 261 ongoing road projects across different communities, the rehabilitated Ekwulobia Water Scheme, and the impressive progress on infrastructure projects like the Awka Stadium and strategic flyovers to ease traffic congestion. Rather than relying solely on reports, Governor Soludo insists on seeing, verifying, and interacting with beneficiaries, thereby ensuring that governance remains grounded in the lived experiences of Ndi Anambra.
Moreover, his approach to engaging with critical stakeholders, from traditional rulers under the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council to the leadership of the Catholic and Anglican churches, has been characterized by mutual respect and open dialogue. His regular policy meetings with community leaders and town union presidents through the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU) have further ensured that community development projects align with grassroots needs.
Another striking feature of Soludo’s administration has been his responsiveness during challenging moments. Following the devastating flood disaster that affected several local governments, the governor swiftly mobilized state resources, visited displaced persons’ camps, and coordinated relief efforts with federal agencies and non-governmental organizations. His promptness in personally assessing the situation and providing immediate interventions reflected a leadership model that prioritizes human dignity and collective welfare.
At a time when many governors are criticized for growing detached from the realities of the people, Soludo’s continuous interaction, policy dialogues, and community engagements are redefining public service in Anambra. His style underscores a belief that the government should not be an abstract institution but a living partnership between leaders and citizens.
In Governor Soludo’s own words during a town hall meeting in January 2025, he declared: “Our administration is building Anambra together with the people. Governance is not a spectator sport; everyone has a role to play.”
Indeed, as Ndi Anambra witness unprecedented infrastructure development, social sector revitalization, and a government that listens, engages, and acts, it becomes increasingly clear that Soludo’s governance is not just about leadership from the top, but stewardship rooted in the grassroots.
