In Breakfast With The Soludos, veteran journalist Reuben Abati delivers more than just a recollection of a casual morning meal with Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife. He peels back the layers of political rhetoric to reveal a leader quietly engineering a transformation in Anambra State—one that is both ambitious and deeply personal. Through Abati’s lens, we see not just a politician, but a strategist, a reformer, and a man whose leadership philosophy is reshaping the socio-economic landscape of the state.
From the outset, Abati captures an unexpectedly intimate moment: Soludo, a former Central Bank Governor and a globally respected economist, playfully requesting permission from his wife to indulge in an unrestricted breakfast. This lighthearted exchange evolves into a powerful revelation—Mrs. Soludo’s advocacy for healthy living has extended beyond her household into a grassroots agricultural movement that has played a crucial role in mitigating food insecurity in Anambra. Abati, with his characteristic wit, notes how even his wife was inspired by this conversation, setting the stage for a broader discussion on governance that seamlessly blends the personal with the political.
As the narrative unfolds, Abati takes the reader on a journey through Anambra’s ongoing transformation. He describes The Solution Fun City, an ambitious multi-purpose entertainment and leisure hub that is poised to revolutionize tourism in the state. Soludo’s vision, as interpreted by Abati, is not just about governance but about rebranding Anambra as a destination of choice for both its wealthy diaspora and local residents. The Governor’s efforts extend to infrastructure, with Abati marveling at the new Government House complex—an administrative masterpiece that is set to replace a decades-old makeshift structure. Unlike leaders who focus solely on immediate political gains, Soludo is building for the future, a theme that runs consistently throughout Abati’s analysis.
Abati’s sharp observational skills also bring to light the Governor’s success in education, security, and economic reform. He highlights Anambra’s impressive record as the Nigerian state with the lowest out-of-school children rate, its improved security framework driven by technology, and the ongoing development of three brand-new cities. Salaries and pensions are being paid without delay, and potable water, once a luxury in many areas, is now accessible. These are not just campaign promises—they are realities that Abati, through his journalistic rigor, validates.
Initially hesitant about traveling to Anambra due to security concerns, Abati finds himself surprised by the relative ease and safety of his movement within the state. His reflections on the Chinua Achebe International Airport, and his musings on whether a university would have been a more fitting tribute to the literary icon, add another layer of thought-provoking insight to his account.
Ultimately, Breakfast With The Soludos is more than just an article—it is a testament to the power of investigative journalism in revealing the nuanced realities of governance. Through Abati’s seasoned perspective, we see a Soludo administration that, despite criticisms, is steadily changing the face of Anambra. While some may still view the Governor as overly intellectual or idealistic, Abati’s reportage makes one thing clear: Soludo’s silent revolution is well underway, and its impact is becoming impossible to ignore.
