By Uche Nworah, Ph.D
I had a great time yesterday, Tuesday, 17th March 2026, at the swearing-in ceremony of Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, and his deputy, Dr. Onyeka Ibezim. The event was held at the remodeled Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka-now a truly fit-for-purpose venue.
It was my first state function in Anambra in four years. Having been invited by the state government, I felt obliged, as a stakeholder in the Anambra project, to honour the invitation.
The event was well organized, with a strong presence of distinguished personalities from within and outside the state. The Vice President, Senator Shettima, delivered an impressive speech. It was my first time listening to him from start to finish, and I must say I was struck by the clarity and depth of his thoughts. He remarked that by re-electing the governor, the people of Anambra had renewed “a covenant with competence and consolidation,” while also reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to partner and collaborate with the state.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to reconnect with friends, associates, and colleagues I had not seen in years, especially from my APGA days. We were later hosted at the State Banquet Hall, where I had the chance to appreciate firsthand the remarkable work the governor has done at the Light House-the new seat of power. It truly felt like legacy in motion.
From there, we moved to the home of my bosom friend, Hon. Obi Nwankwo, an aspirant for the Awka North and South Federal Constituency. He warmly received us and, in recognition that an Onye Ozo was present, performed the traditional ego oji rites. We later proceeded to the poolside of BON Hotel for a nightcap, where conversations continued around Soludo’s vision for the next four years in Anambra.
From experience, governors in their second term rarely enjoy the full four years to implement policies and projects with the same level of focus. In reality, they have about two productive years. The latter half of the tenure is often overtaken by the politics of succession, as attention gradually shifts from governance to who takes over next.
In Anambra State, where zoning operates as a strong, albeit unwritten, principle, this dynamic is even more pronounced. Ndi Anambra Central will understandably be watching developments closely, with several prominent names already being mentioned in early permutations.
Anambra belongs to all Ndi Anambra. We must all continue to support its progressive developmental journey in whatever way we can.
