More often than not, governments around the world are gauged based on their ability to deliver physical infrastructure, almost forgetting to celebrate the soft aspects of public policies which in most cases, define the essence of government. The soft aspects of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s governance has on many occasions gone unnoticed.
Soft Governance may refer to the informal and intangible aspects of state governance. They include the state’s political culture, values, and ethical principles that guide decision-making and behavior. Perhaps, it also involves issues like the level of transparency and public participation in decision-making. Soft governance can also relate to the style of leadership the state employs and how it collaborates with stakeholders such as civil society and the private sector. These are important because they impact overall effectiveness, legitimacy, and trust among citizens, which in turn affect the state’s ability to exercise its authority and achieve its objectives.
A very good example of this was last month when Anambra State celebrated a joint new yam festival. The Governor had muted the idea to the state Traditional Rulers’ Council chaired by Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha. This idea of the festival ties to Governor Soludo’s policy of identifying and promoting major cultural events across the state and to organizing special cultural, and historical festivals and carnivals.
Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, venue of the event witnessed the concatenation of colourful cultural practices of different communities in Anambra state including, dance, clothes, and food. The event which was organized through Anambra State Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism and Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs, was to serve as a unifying force to foster peace and progress in Anambra communities.
According to the Governor, the Igbo culture is an embodiment of the identity of the people of the South East region of Nigeria, particularly ndị Anambra. This, he explained goes beyond celebration of the “king of all crops (yam)” and music, but also creates an ample opportunity to celebrate the core Igbo values of hard work, integrity and compassion. He revealed that his administration is particularly mainstreaming policies that would ensure that nobody is left behind, which he described as the nucleus of the Igbo existence.
Going forward, celebrating the soft aspects of state governance can involve highlighting the positive qualities and achievements of the state’s political culture, values, and ethics. This can include celebrating instances where the state has demonstrated a commitment to transparency, accountability, and active citizen participation in governance. It can also involve celebrating leaders who demonstrate strong ethical principles and who prioritize the public good over personal interests.
Celebrating the soft aspects of the governance can lead to increased trust and faith in the state’s institutions by demonstrating that the present administration is not just focused on the selfish interests of public office holders but is genuinely committed to serving the needs of its citizens. This, in turn, can help to build more effective partnerships between the state and other stakeholders, leading to better outcomes for all involved. Think of what unity can achieve in the state- peace, progress, prosperity, projecting Anambra as an Island of boundless possibilities.
Written by EJIKE ABANA
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