There is always something relative about most big dreams: they often
kick off with indecipherable motion. Big dreams often appear like the
scary climb unto a mountaintop, with a formula that’s barely popular.
Curt Hinson, the renowned American author in his book “Sleeping Giant
No More” captures it succinctly: “Each and every one of us are capable
of achieving greatness, yet only a few of us actually tap into our
talents, passions, and dreams, that would allow us to do great and
mighty things, far above and beyond our wildest dreams.” The precepts
to big dreams are, surprisingly, reserved for brave hearts, and humans
that wield thick daringness, exceptional courage and unbreakable
resilience. Disciplinarians who are rather moved by crisp vision than
unpragmatic enterprise.
Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, falls
within the province of those rare attributes. A man who sees through
the lens of logic and excellent calculations, Governor Soludo
dissected the full circumference of Anambra State way before his
political odyssey. He masterfully studied the terrain, terrace and
texture of each compartment of the state, and scripted his findings in
such a way as to intelligently avoid operating within the misleading
compass that had dented the entire image of governance in Anambra
State and Nigeria, extendedly. Flattery not intended, the truth is
that Governor Soludo is a different kind of leader; one that Anambra
had yearned for and missed out on for a very long time. But these
remarkable traits didn’t just erupt.
They had existed even when the young Charles Soludo was flipping the
pages of history, first, graduating with first class honours in
Economics from the prestigious University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and then
going on to become one of the youngest professors in the history of
the university at the time. Professor Soludo then set out to consult
for different multinationals and nations, transversing across
Ethiopia, the US, the United Kingdom and thirty nine other countries.
Then came his sterling tenure as the Governor of Central Bank of
Nigeria. Valid to say that these career
journeys have played immense role in what Governor Soludo has
ultimately become: a legend who has conquered on many fronts, yet has
chosen — in the meekest manner — to honour the calls for home
reform. Governor Soludo’s Anambra State is the story of a beautiful
young bride, who has been made the envy among her peers because she
glowingly reflects her husband’s artistic ingenuity. The current
administration has been able to make a strong mark on almost every
area of governance. Security, infrastructure, health, economy, social
welfare, human capital, education, agriculture, tourism, and more.
In every measure, what makes Governor Soludo different is how he
approaches governance. He is a man who always wants to interact
directly with his people, and not depending solely on proxyship
feedbacks. He speaks directly with roadside traders, artisans,
passers-by and residents of that particular area. On ongoing road
projects, he would assess their opinions on quality, work speed and
relationship with the construction firm, advice and other important
notes. Knowing that these are the people who can tell the real story
of the time, Governor Soludo deploys the best social and management
theories of strategic communication, breaking, in the process, the
elitist impediments that often imprison direct feedbacks, especially
those that do not appeal to the auditory senses.
Governor Soludo has also initiated a quarterly media chat with Ndi
Anambra. The programme which has already run into the third series,
updates the people on plethora of government policies. The interactive
fixture also allows so many people to call in and air their opinions
real time. Governor Soludo would listen to each caller, document
important notes in his ever-handy diary. He replies all questions with
a great teacher-like touch, and takes back points that need special
attention. He doesn’t sleep on urgencies. A man skilled in precision
and timeliness, he understands the grand rules of action and
immediacy. That quarterly media chat with Ndi Anambra, has
metamorphosed into something very paramount. Importantly, it has
dissolved the previous thoughts of political leadership in Anambra
State, and elsewhere, as unresponsive and inaccessible.
Not many people will understand Governor Soludo’s administrative
principles. Here, Anambra State is blessed with a man who is always
walking his talks, determined to lay a foundation for a blossoming
Anambra State. But, seven years from now, Ndi Anambra shall behold the
clearest picture of this unfolding dream. An epic that would told
through generations. Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s name shall be
engraved in the golden plaque history.
Written by DANIEL EZEIGWE
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