By Izunna Okafor, Awka
As Anambra State marks three years of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, the former Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Uche Okafor, Ph.D., has described the period as a sterling model of disruptive governance that has redefined leadership and development in the Fourth Republic.
Reflecting on the governor’s tenure, Okafor recalled how the 7th Assembly under his speakership, approved a ₦100 billion loan to accelerate Soludo’s developmental vision, only for the governor to surprise everyone by not accessing the loan. He said the Governor, instead, embarked on transformational projects, including the employment of over 8,000 teachers for both primary and secondary schools. He added that the Governor also launched the One Youth, Two Skills Initiative, a massive youth empowerment program aimed at equipping young people with vocational and entrepreneurial skills.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Soludo’s governance, Okafor noted, was the transformation of Okpoko, once regarded as Anambra’s largest urban slum. Under the Solution government, the area has been revitalized with stable electricity, potable water, modern drainage systems, well-paved roads, solar-powered street lights, and a state-of-the-art general hospital.
According to him, the health sector has also felt the governor’s Midas touch, with the employment and deployment of medical doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers across general hospitals, primary healthcare centers, and regional health facilities. These professionals receive their salaries on time, with added incentives to encourage efficiency.
While noting that Governor Soludo’s commitment to infrastructural development is evident in his massive road construction and rehabilitation projects, he also highlighted some of the Governor’s ongoing projects to include the Isu-Aniocha–Urum–Achalla road, the Amansea–Ebenebe–Awba-Ofemmili roads (which will seamlessly connect Ayamelum Local Government Area to the Awka Capital Territory) the Regina Caeli–Old INEC road; Abakiliki Street; and Obi-Okoli dual carriageway from Unizik Junction to Isu-Aniocha roundabout; the dualization of the Amawbia–Ekwulobia road, which is progressing rapidly, among others.
Rt. Hon. Okafor also torched the Ekwulobia Flyover, a monumental structure featuring modern architecture, a bus terminal, and cutting-edge facilities
According to him, other landmark projects include the construction of a brand-new Government House and Governor’s Lodge in Awka, as well as the development of a Solution Fun City; while the State House of Assembly Complex has been renovated, and the Three-Arms Zone has been expanded to a four-lane road network.
On security, Okafor praised Soludo’s strategic approach, which has restored peace and stability in the state, ensuring that Anambra remains one of the safest places to live and do business in Nigeria.
What makes these achievements even more remarkable, he emphasized, is that Governor Soludo has not borrowed a single kobo to fund them.
Recognizing the governor’s outstanding leadership, Okafor highlighted Soludo’s recognition as The Sun Newspaper’s Governor of the Year (2024) and Independent Newspaper’s Governor of the Year on Urban Renewal (2024). He described Soludo as a true embodiment of the APGA spirit—onye aghana nwanne ya.
Ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship election in the state, Rt. Hon. Okafor called on all stakeholders and Ndi Anambra to rally behind Soludo for a second term, ensuring that the Solution Revolution continues to transform the state.
The former Speaker concluded by extending his congratulations to Governor Soludo, First Lady Dr. Nonye Soludo, the Solution Team, APGA members, and the entire Ndi Anambra on the third anniversary of the administration.
