Chukwuma Charles SOLUDO, CFR

Yesterday in Onitsha, I joined family, friends, and associates to celebrate the 80th birthday of Justice Paul Obidigwe. To celebrate him is to celebrate a life of purpose, honour, service, and enduring impact. Over the years, Justice Obidigwe has distinguished himself in the judiciary, the Church, and society. He has helped shape institutions, inspire generations, and build a lasting legacy of honour. At 80, he remains a shining example of a life well lived. Truly, we do not merely live; we live to make a difference. Though retired, he is clearly not tired. I heartily congratulate Justice Paul Obidigwe on this remarkable milestone and pray that God grants him many more years of good health, peace, and fulfilment. Happy 80th Birthday, Your Lordship.

Ndi Anambra, The State Executive Council is reaffirming the state of emergency on our environment due to widespread environmental devastation. IN LINE WITH THIS: STATEWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL LOCKDOWN Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026 Time: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM Activity: Mandatory desilting and waste evacuation across all communities. MOVEMENT RESTRICTION All residents and businesses must clear their drainages and clean their surroundings. Movement is restricted during these hours. EXEMPTIONS Only security agencies, health workers, ambulances, journalists, fire service, and personnel on essential duties are exempted. This is a survival measure. We are using these four hours to clear drainages, evacuate refuse, and protect Anambra from floods and disease. I direct every community, market, and household to participate fully. Government is leading this effort. A clean Anambra is a liveable Anambra. A liveable Anambra is a prosperous Anambra. May Anambra continue to win!

Yesterday, the Solution Fun City marked its first anniversary. We promised ndi Anambra a world-class space for fun, and relaxation. Today, that promise is alive — filled with laughter, smiles, and the sound of Anambra’s future at play. This is what the Solution Agenda is about: building a liveable and prosperous Anambra where our people can work hard, and also rest well. Thank you to every family, staff, and partner who has made Fun City a success in just 12 months. Here’s to more years of fun, more years of growth. May Anambra continue to win!

Fatherhood is more than providing — it’s teaching values, showing up daily, and building homes where dreams can grow. I thank God for the gift of my own father, and for the privilege of being called “Daddy” by my children. To all the fathers across the world: thank you for your sacrifice, your discipline, and your love. Our Society grows stronger because you choose to lead your homes with courage and integrity. Enjoy your day. Rest well. You deserve it. Happy Fathers’ Day! May Anambra continue to win!

I reaffirmed our administration’s commitment to transforming Anambra into Africa’s Silicon Valley. This vision is driven not by politics, but by a clear and strategic imperative to secure the future of our state and its people. At the graduation ceremony of the Anambra Startup Investment and Technology Skills Programme in Awka, I emphasized the urgent need to integrate technology into every sector of our economy and every level of governance. As the world evolves at an unprecedented pace, we must ensure that our young people are equipped with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in the digital age. Through transformative initiatives such as the Solution Innovation District (SID) and the 1 Million Anambra Digital Tribe, we are building a strong foundation for a technology-driven and globally competitive economy. I congratulate all the graduates, including those trained in robotics and ISO network engineering, for their dedication and achievement. I also commend our partners and sponsors for their invaluable contributions to strengthening Anambra’s innovation ecosystem. Anambra is steadily emerging as a leading destination for technology, innovation, and digital enterprise. We remain committed to sustaining this momentum and creating opportunities for future generations. May Anambra continue to win.

Yesterday, I joined my brother, the Governor of Ebonyi State — His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru — alongside other progressives in Abakaliki to stand with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The time has come for us to unite. Enough of the politics of lamentations. Ndi Igbo, we must move from the alliance of protest to the alliance for progress — an alliance for prosperity. We must unite. We must not waste our votes again. Progressives are working together for a renewed and prosperous Nigeria.

Today is June 12. Democracy Day. June 12 is not just a date on the calendar. It is the day Nigerians spoke with one voice in 1993 and chose Chief MKO Abiola. It was the freest and fairest election in our history. That mandate was not about one man. It was about the power of the people to decide their future. 26 years later, we are still building on that foundation. The heroes of June 12 — dead or alive — civil society, and ordinary Nigerians who insisted “this vote must count gave us the democracy we enjoy today. Their sacrifice is why Nigeria still stands as a model of resilience in Africa. But the work is not finished. Real development starts with credible, transparent, and inclusive elections. Democracy lives in our hands. It needs unity, vigilance, and leaders who answer to the people. So today, as we remember June 12, let us choose peace over division. Let us choose tolerance over threats. Let us move forward together with one shared vision: a Nigeria that truly works for everyone. I congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the Federal Government, and every Nigerian. The ballot is still the most powerful weapon we have. Let us keep guarding it. May Nigeria continue to win!

Today at the Light House, Awka, I inaugurated the 8th Governing Council of our own Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. COOU must not just bear a great name. It must do great things. That is the charge I gave the new team led by Chairman and Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Peter A. Onwualu. I thank our distinguished external members who answered this call: Igwe Dr. Chris Oranu Chidume, Prof. O. J. Ogbuagu, Chief Christopher Ndubuisi, and AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd.). My message to them was simple: Put academic excellence first. Push COOU into the league of innovation and world-class research. Work hand-in-hand with the Vice-Chancellor to align the university with global standards and the Anambra we are building. Prof. Onwualu has already given his word. I know this team will deliver. We are building a liveable and prosperous Anambra. A strong COOU is non-negotiable in that journey. May Anambra continue to win!

Today, I celebrate a distinguished young man and my Aide-de-Camp, DSP Tony Amadi, for 35 remarkable years of service in the Nigeria Police Force. For 22 of those years, Tony has stood by my side with uncommon loyalty, discipline, and dedication. Since 2004, he has been more than an official appointee. He has become family — dependable, steadfast, and unwavering through every season. We marked this milestone at a celebratory Mass at the Light House, Awka, where I was joined by my wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo. Tony, my family and I are proud of you. Thank you for your service to Nigeria, to Anambra, and to me. May your retirement years be filled with peace, joy, and the same honor you brought to the uniform. Congratulations, Tony.

Today, I spent productive hours in Nnewi with my team, walking the city and planning its future. We started at the Nnewi roundabout — the mall project abandoned for almost 17 years. We toured the entire space. That ends now. We will convert it into something viable and of real public value within the life of this administration. We moved to the Post Office, Eme Court Road, and the expanse of land between Umudim and Ukpor. I stood at the roundabout and saw it clearly: Nnewi has grown. We must now bring life into it. Nnewi needs an open arena for leisure and relaxation. If you don’t have that, you are not a city. We intend to build a central motor park, green spaces, and a multipurpose outdoor arena right here. Nnewi deserves it. Urban renewal is tough work. It involves demolition. But we are intentional. We did it in Ekwulobia — over 500 houses, 14 petrol stations, even a shrine. We did it for the Anambra of the next generation. What we are doing now should have happened 60 years ago. In the next 10 years, we expect about 35 million people here. We must plan. We must regenerate. We must rescue our cities. Nnewi, we have turned our gaze on you. We will give this city the facelift it deserves. May Anambra continue to win!

Yesterday, I welcomed members of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), led by their team leader, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Wamako, to the Light House in Awka for the Anambra State Data Verification Exercise. The enumeration and verification teams, comprising federal commissioners and technical experts, have been deployed across the country to assess key indicators such as population, landmass, and internally generated revenue capacity. Anambra State has continued to make steady progress in areas that reflect productivity, enterprise, and responsible governance. Exercises such as this are therefore essential to ensuring that the indices used for national revenue allocation accurately reflect current realities and give every state fair and equitable consideration. Ultimately, nation-building is best served when institutions are strengthened, processes are credible, and decisions are guided by verified data. This is why we will continue to support initiatives that promote transparency, uphold integrity in governance, and advance the collective good of our people. May Anambra continue to win!

Today, we commenced the Anambra State Executive Council Retreat and formally kicked off Solution 2.0: Acceleration With Precision. With the foundations now firmly in place, our priority is disciplined, focused, and results-driven governance. I charged members of the Solution Team 2.0 to begin drafting their valedictory addresses for March 2030 and to work backward from that vision with discipline, urgency, and purpose. Our mission is clear: to build a livable and prosperous smart megacity, lay the foundation for Vision 2070, and deliver high-impact outcomes that meaningfully improve the lives of Ndi Anambra. Government will be judged not by meetings or motions, but by visible progress and measurable results. The time to accelerate with precision is now. May Anambra continue to win!

Happy Eid el Kabir to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Anambra and across Nigeria. Today I join millions around the world in celebrating Eid el Kabir. This festival reminds us of the power of obedience, sacrifice, and staying committed to God’s will and to the good of humanity. As we mark this holy day, I encourage all Muslim faithful to use this moment for prayers for peace, unity, and progress in our nation. Let’s share the feast, extend charity to those around us, and continue to live in tolerance and harmony with one another—no matter our faith or background. My administration remains committed to keeping Anambra safe and secure, so that everyone can celebrate this season and beyond in peace. To all our Muslim brothers and sisters: Barka da Sallah! May the blessings of this season fill your homes with joy, peace, and prosperity.

This is the Solution 2.0 team. Our job is simple: lay the foundation for a new Anambra that is liveable, prosperous, and secure for every family, trader, and young person. The work ahead is not easy, but it is urgent. We owe it to you to deliver on infrastructure, education, health, security, and a thriving economy where businesses can grow without fear. To Ndi Anambra, thank you for the trust. We will not take it for granted. The work continues. The vision is clear. The future is bright. Anambra is on the rise. And we will rise together.

Today at the Light House, Awka, I inaugurated members of the Anambra State Executive Council whose appointments were duly confirmed by the Anambra State House of Assembly, reinforcing our administration’s resolve to sustain purposeful governance and accelerate development across the state. Those sworn in as commissioners are: Ben Odoemena (Agriculture); Chukwukadibia Okoye, FCCA (Budget and Economic Planning); Udoji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism); Dr. Ekene Ogugua (Education); Dr. Clem Aguiyi (Environment); Dr. Afam Obidike (Health); Dr. Law Mefor (Information and Value Reformation); Professor Offornze Amucheazi, SAN (Lands); Vin Ezeaka (Local Government and Community Affairs); Prof. Charles Ofoegbu (Petroleum and Mineral Resources); Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu (Physical Planning and Urban Development); Engr. Casmir Agummadu (Power); Engr. Okey Ezeobi (Works and Infrastructure); Eddy Ibuzo (Transport); Esther Onyekesi (Women Affairs and Social Development); Patrick Agha, MBA (Youth Development and Sports); Arc. Henry Arinze (Housing); and Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu (Commerce). Also inaugurated were Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA); Dr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA); Mr. Fred Agbata, Managing Director of the Anambra State ICT Agency; and Engr. Obi Okonkwo, Managing Director of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). I reminded the appointees that governance is ultimately about service to the people and the pursuit of the common good. Positions and titles are temporary, but the impact of responsible leadership endures in the lives of the people and in the progress of society. They have been entrusted with significant responsibilities at a defining moment in our state’s history, and I urged them to discharge their duties with diligence, integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to our collective vision as we continue building the Anambra of our dreams. We remain steadfast in our mission to build a livable and prosperous homeland driven by sustainable development, social progress, economic transformation, and responsible governance. May Anambra continue to win.

Yesterday, I was in Achalla to commission a 1.7km road built and paved single-handedly by a proud son of the soil, Chief Emma Nwakamma. Standing before a cheering crowd of Ndi Achalla, I made it clear: my administration will step into the leadership crisis currently rocking the community. We cannot stand by while internal frictions threaten the future of this ancient kingdom. Development can only thrive in an atmosphere of tranquility, and our goal is to ensure that Achalla moves forward as one united family. The new road is a shining example of our Private-Public-Community Partnership, PPCP, model. I reminded everyone that about 98% of Anambra’s wealth is in private hands. Government alone cannot build the homeland we want. When private success meets public spirit, like Chief Nwakamma has shown, transformation happens fast. I urged Ndi Anambra not to wait only for government. You don’t need to build a kilometer of road to make a difference. Buy a pencil for a child. Fix a culvert. Clean your market. No one is too poor to give, and no act is too small. I also thanked Achalla for the overwhelming mandate you gave me at the polls. We scored 73% of the total votes cast here, and I do not take that trust lightly. I commend Chief Emma Nwakamma for responding to the PPCP call. May your act inspire others across Anambra. Achalla, we are coming for peace, and together we will move forward as one. May Anambra continue to Win!

Earlier today, I received a delegation from Igboukwu community who came to Light House with a remarkable gesture of support: the donation of two brand new OMAA Utility Vehicles to strengthen our fight against criminality. This is not just about vehicles. This is about ownership. It is about a community rising to say, “The security of Anambra is our collective duty.” To Ndi Igboukwu, led by your PG and traditional institution, I say Daalụ nụ. You have shown that when government and the people move as one, no criminal can hide, and no evil can thrive. These utility vehicles will be deployed immediately to support our security operations, boost mobility for our operatives, and send a clear message to criminals. This is the PPCP spirit at work — government providing leadership, and communities providing partnership. With this unity, we will build the livable and prosperous homeland we promised. May Anambra continue to win.

Happy International Workers’ Day to the engine room of Anambra and Nigeria! Today, I salute every Anambra worker — teachers shaping minds in our classrooms, doctors and nurses saving lives, civil servants keeping the system running, artisans, traders, farmers, and tech innovators building value daily. You are the true builders of the Anambra of our dreams. Our administration remains committed to a productive, competitive, and prosperous Anambra where the dignity of labour is respected and rewarded. From prompt payment of salaries and pensions, to ongoing reforms for a 21st century civil service, to creating an environment where private sector jobs can thrive — we are laying the foundation for One State, One People, One Agenda. To every worker: your sweat is not in vain. Aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ. Let us continue to work together to build a livable and prosperous homeland. May Anambra continue to win!

It was a great honour to be present at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University as a visitor to this great institution. The ceremony was a celebration of excellence, hard work, and the power of quality education. It was also a reminder of the critical role universities play in training skilled manpower, shaping character, advancing knowledge, and preparing young people to contribute meaningfully to society. I was particularly delighted to decorate the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Matthew Hassan Kukah, as the new Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University. I am confident that his wisdom, experience, and moral leadership will further strengthen the vision and standing of the university. In recognition of exceptional academic achievement, I announced a ₦4 million cash gift to Somtochukwu Augustus Ume of the Economics Department, who emerged as the overall best graduating student at COOU’s 16th Convocation with an outstanding CGPA of 4.85 out of 5.0. I also offered scholarships to 37 first-class graduates of the university’s 16th Convocation to support their postgraduate studies up to the highest level at any public university of their choice. I charged the university to remain focused on producing problem-solvers rather than mere enumerators. Our institutions of higher learning must go beyond awarding certificates; they must raise innovative, solution-driven, and globally competitive graduates who can respond to the challenges of our time. To the graduands, I urged them to seize the moment and emerge as beacons of hope, disruptive thinkers, and agents of change in society. The future belongs to those who are prepared to lead with courage, creativity, and purpose.

I received the Polish Ambassador to Nigeria, Michał Cygan, on a courtesy visit at the Light House, Awka. Ambassador Cygan is in Anambra as the keynote speaker at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University’s 16th Convocation Ceremony, and his visit reflects the growing importance of international dialogue, academic exchange, and strategic cooperation. Our engagement provided an opportunity to showcase Anambra’s vast potential as Nigeria’s premier investment destination. We emphasized the state’s readiness to welcome global private investors, its expanding opportunities across key sectors, and its strong commitment to building sustainable, forward-looking partnerships that will drive growth and development. We remain committed to creating an enabling environment for innovation, enterprise, and productive collaboration. May Anambra continue to win!