Governor Chukwuma Soludo have continued to redefined governance not only in Anambra State but also in Nigeria and perhaps Sub-Saharan Africa.

 

Nigeria economic situation today is challenging and somehow frustrating for some political leaders but Soludo’s mantra has remained that “tough times demand tough leaders” which includes the capacity to execute incredible projects and programmes with lean resources. He is not too eager to obtain loans but depends on available resources and giving top priority to the downtrodden less privileged and communities that had apparently been forgotten by previous administrations.

 

He has always insisted that if there will be need to borrow, it will be for productive projects with potential to pay back.

 

Soludo’s governance template is based on “Needs Assessment” and not politically motivated by another election.

 

His mindset of planning for the future has continued to guide his policy formation and implementation. In infrastructural development he is expanding roads as dual carriage ways to accommodate future needs of the state and country.

 

Construction of roads and upgrading of infrastructure in Okpoko are geared towards transforming the slums and ghetto with high population density to modern city with necessary facilities. Again, road construction in rural areas will not only open up the hinterlands but also facilitate easy evacuation of farm produce especially from food baskets of the state.

 

Similarly, his Urban Regeneration and zero portholes initiatives have brought new life to streets and roads which are attracting more businesses and will increase the state internally generated revenues to augment the monthly Statutory Revenue allocation.

 

Again his free education policy is targeted at building well equipped and intellectually sound human capital that will drive the socio-economic and political

 

future of the state and the country.

The One Youth, Two Skills Initiative of the Governor is providing permanent solution to challenges of unemployment and equipping youths in productive ventures.

 

His free healthcare delivery scheme is enhancing healthy living and maintaining a population with capacity to sustain higher productivity and prosperity.

 

Governor Soludo should also be commended for embarking on the completion of the new Government House and Lodge abandoned for many years which when completed will provide adequate and befitting accommodation for government offices to further enhance effective and efficient service delivery as well as raise the image and status of the state.

 

Governor Soludo’s silent revolution in Agriculture” is felt in all communities across the state through the procurement and distribution of high yielding palm and coconut seedlings and there are plans for distribution of more seedlings and other high yielding food crops seedlings to expand revenue earnings of farmers and provide families with more sources of livelihood as well as increase export capacity of the state.

 

This will also accelerate industrial development especially in agro allied Sub sector which will generate employment opportunities and wealth creation.

 

Governor Soludo’s plan towards twenty-four hour power supply will drive the various industrial hubs across the state while railway infrastructure and Water transportation will boost socioeconomic activities.

 

Governor Soludo’s strategic roadmap towards making Anambra state to become the first international mega city as well as livable and prosperous state is on course and there is need for strategic partnership to further strengthen the security architecture and made the state more attractive for Foreign Direct Investment.

Governor Soludo really typifies the age long saying that “Statesmen plan for the next generation while politicians plan for the next election.

 

Written by POLYCARP ONWUBIKO