Anambra Stakeholders Present Key Priorities as Governor Soludo Commences Second Term
As Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, officially started their second term on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, stakeholders across Anambra State have outlined critical areas requiring immediate attention to ensure continued development and growth.
Stakeholders Commend Achievements, Urge Focus on Infrastructure and Youth
Following his oath of office, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude to Ndi Anambra for renewing his mandate and pledged to build upon first-term successes, including digitizing government processes, environmental restoration, and urban regeneration. He reiterated his commitment to the African Dubai Taiwan vision and Vision 2070, calling for collaboration among all stakeholders, including political opponents.
Dr. Victor Ike Oye, immediate past national chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), praised Soludo's achievements and emphasized the need to actualize goals from his inaugural address, such as additional airports, improved electricity supply, and industrial and rural developments.
Mr. Patrick Aghamba, Commissioner for Youth Development, highlighted Soludo's passion for youth initiatives, including the one-youth, two-skills program and the development of Cilcon Valley of Africa, aimed at making Anambra a leading skills and ICT hub. He urged the governor to ensure these initiatives are fully realized in his second term.
Call for Sports Development and Mortuary Management
Chief Rommy Ezeonwuka, a member of the APGA board of trustees, acknowledged Soludo's first-term performance but noted underperformance in sports development. He urged the governor to integrate sports into his agenda and address mortuary management by evacuating and properly burying corpses to enhance spiritual and community well-being.
Emphasis on Rural Development and Youth Opportunities
Comrade Ken Okoli, President General of Anambra State Association of Town Unions, Youth Wing, called for increased youth opportunities, praising initiatives like the innovation district as alternatives to idleness or illicit activities. Igwe Ben Okeke-Ifi, traditional ruler of Ndiowu, urged greater attention to rural development, specifically road infrastructure and electrification, to bridge gaps between urban and rural areas.
Rt. Rev. S.O.N Edeh, a council member of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, commended Soludo's efforts in security, infrastructure, and religious practices, while advocating for accelerated rural development through road networks and cottage hospitals to support the state's agrarian economy.
High-Profile Endorsements and Community Developments
Vice President Kashim Shettima commended Soludo's transformational leadership, with the federal government expressing willingness to collaborate for national progress. The event was attended by former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, among other dignitaries.
In related news, the Ndiowu community recently crowned Chief Benjamin Chibuzor Okeke-Ifi as Igwe, ending a 12-year kingship dispute, with Governor Soludo officially recognizing the new monarch who pledged to focus on unity, education, and infrastructure.
