It was a day of high expectations and renewed direction as newly appointed Mayors, their deputies, and other key local government officials in Anambra State gathered for the General Orientation and Management Program (GOMP). Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo stood before them not merely as the chief executive of the state but as a teacher, mentor, and visionary laying the foundation for a new era of governance.
Right from the opening of his address, Governor Soludo made it clear that public office is a call to serve, not a privilege to exploit. With a sense of urgency and sincerity, he reminded the officials that the mandate they carry is sacred. They are expected to serve with integrity, putting the people above self and upholding the principles of transparency and accountability in all their dealings. Soludo did not mince words when he stated that the local government is the most immediate layer of government to the people and therefore must be beyond reproach in character and conduct.
As he moved from principle to action, the governor drew attention to the pressing need for grassroots development. He painted a picture of governance that touches the daily lives of citizens—rehabilitating feeder roads, equipping health centres, ensuring clean markets, and delivering quality basic education. In his words, development does not happen in distant boardrooms but in village squares, school compounds, and rural clinics. He encouraged the newly appointed officials to take ownership of their communities and initiate programs that directly improved livelihoods.
From there, Soludo transitioned into the importance of collaboration, emphasizing that governance is a shared responsibility. He urged the Mayors and their teams to work not only among themselves but also with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organizations. According to him, achieving progress requires unity of purpose and the humility to listen. In a diverse state like Anambra, the governor noted that success can only come through collective effort and inclusive leadership that welcomes multiple voices.
He did not stop at structure and teamwork. Governor Soludo turned the attention of the participants inward to their own personal and professional development. He acknowledged that while passion for service is commendable, it must be backed by competence. The orientation, he said, was just the beginning. He charged the participants to embrace continuous learning, seek out new ideas, and remain open to training and capacity building. Governance is dynamic, he reminded them, and so must be their approach to leading in a modern world.
Finally, the governor anchored his message on the ‘Solution Agenda’—his administration’s bold vision for a prosperous, secure, and livable Anambra. He described it as more than a political slogan; it is a comprehensive blueprint for transforming every sector of the state. He challenged the local government leaders to align their actions with this agenda, ensuring that their policies reflect the broader vision of inclusive growth, innovation, and public accountability. By doing so, they would not only fulfil their individual mandates but also contribute meaningfully to the collective progress of Anambra State.
As the session came to a close, the energy in the room shifted. What began as a formal orientation had evolved into a clarion call. Governor Soludo’s words resonated like a drumbeat, reminding each participant that their duty was not only to govern but to inspire trust, deliver results, and rekindle hope at the grassroots. The road ahead may be long, but with vision, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to the people, the journey toward a better Anambra has indeed begun.
