Anambra Governor Soludo Makes History, Appoints First Female SSG
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has made a groundbreaking appointment, naming Chiamaka Nnake as the Secretary to the State Government. This historic move marks the first time a woman will hold this crucial position in the state's governance structure.
Official Announcement and Background
The appointment was officially announced on Monday, March 23, by Christian Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor. In a detailed statement, Aburime confirmed Nnake's selection and highlighted her qualifications for this significant role.
Chiamaka Nnake, 39, hails from Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State. She brings substantial experience from both public service and the private sector to her new position.
Extensive Public Service Experience
Nnake previously served as Anambra State's Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities. According to the official statement, she led the effective mobilization, planning, and allocation of state resources to drive socio-economic development during her tenure.
Her public service portfolio includes several key leadership roles across important state boards and initiatives. She has served on the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, the Internal Revenue Service Board, and the Small Business Agency. Additionally, Nnake was recognized as the state's Reform Champion for Ease of Doing Business and served as the focal point for Social Investment Programmes.
Currently, she holds the position of Nigeria Chairperson for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity Programme, further demonstrating her commitment to development initiatives.
Private Sector Expertise
Before entering public service, Nnake established herself as a respected professional in the private sector. She worked as a senior strategy consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers Nigeria, where she led over thirty client engagements across diverse sectors including financial services, government, and agriculture. Her exceptional performance earned her PwC's CEO Award in 2021.
Earlier in her career, she gained valuable experience as a business analyst at IHS Towers and as an equity research analyst at Meristem Securities Limited. Her expertise has contributed significantly to the development of the Anambra Vision 2070 long-term development blueprint.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Nnake's educational background is equally impressive. She graduated with first-class honours in Accounting from Benson Idahosa University and holds a Master of Business Administration from Lagos Business School. She is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and serves on its national advisory committee.
Her professional development includes passing Level One of the Chartered Financial Analyst Program and completing the Implementing Public Policy Programme at Harvard Kennedy School. Currently, she is pursuing a PhD in Public Policy, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to academic excellence.
Personal Life and Significance
Married with three children, Nnake's appointment represents a landmark moment for gender representation in Anambra State governance. Her selection comes as Governor Soludo begins his second term, having been sworn in on March 17. The governor, a former Central Bank of Nigeria governor, has signaled a new chapter in his administration with this historic appointment.
Following his oath of office, Governor Soludo thanked the people of Anambra for renewing his mandate and pledged to build on his first-term achievements. He emphasized his continued commitment to his African Dubai Taiwan vision and Vision 2070, calling on all stakeholders, including political opponents, to work together for the state's growth and development.
