The Anambra State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu has expressed confidence that the next four years of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term would bring closer achievement of the dream of a liveable and prosperous Anambra State.

Okpalaezeukwu stated this in an exclusive with newsmen in Awka, Anambra State ahead of Soludo’s second term swearing-in on Tuesday.

According to him, the four years of Soludo’s first term in office witnessed laying of foundation for the unprecedented transformation of all sectors of the state economy.

He observed the revolution witnessed in the governor’s first term in key enabler-sectors such as education, health, ICT and road infrastructure as pointer to what awaits the state in the second term.

“The free education policy across primary and secondary schools, the free ante-natal and delivery services in health centres in the state, the turnaround of existing public health facilities and construction of new ones, all point to what the governor envisages for these sectors.

“In the area of ICT, the governor has been deliberate through his programmes with the Anambra State ICT Agency, and the Solution Innovation District, SID, towards empowering Anambra youths to be among the next generation of leaders leveraging technology to advance innovation and creativity across various sectors.

We have also seen the deployment of broadband access in the grassroots through the governor’s waiving of cost of laying of fibre optics, as well as the provision of Wi-fi across areas with significant youth population across Anambra state.

“There is also massive road construction and reconstruction across many parts of the state. Existing roads are also being dualized, connecting all parts of the state and creating possibilities in commerce and industry.

“All these are indications of what is to come and Anambra people are expectant,” he said.

Okpalaezeukwu observed that Governor Soludo’s strong political will and his commitment to doing things right have been instrumental to his resolution of many grey areas in the state governance to the benefit of Anambra people.

He also said his firm stance on accountability and people-driven governance has engendered a new sense of patriotism and dedication across various spheres of the state governance, with public office holders now more responsive and accountable to the people.

“The bane of good governance has always been corruption, which often times, comes from the leaders.

However, under Governor Soludo, we have seen prudence and frugality in public resource management shown by the governor himself. This has set a precedent for all political appointees under him that corruption of whatever form will not be tolerated.

“We have also seen transparency in the budgeting and execution of public projects and this has shored up public confidence in the state government.

“I recall when the issue of taxation was a big problem to commercial vehicle operators in the state, almost at the inception of the Soludo administration, due to how poorly the state resources have been managed.

“But, with the visible dividends of democracy which the governor has provided for the people, even the transporters themselves now willingly pay their taxes without prompting. That shows restoration of faith and trust in governance,” Okpalaezeukwu posited.

The Anambra Ohanaeze Ndigbo leader said as the governor is sworn in today, hopes are high that his next four years will bring to reality, the Anambra Dubai-Taiwan dream, which he promised in his electioneering manifesto.

This, he believes is possible, because the governor has promised not to lower the bar on good governance in his second term.

He also noted that the governor’s overwhelming victory during the November 2025 Governorship Election bears eloquent testimony to their belief in his commitment to keeping his electoral promises.

He said, “Anambra people trusted Soludo when he sought for their mandate in 2021, and he did not betray them. Again, in 2025, the people trusted him, and there appears no reason why he would disappoint them.

“The state is quite expectant because the governor’s dreams are quite big. If fully realized, Anambra can emerge one of the most economically viable states in Nigeria, and that is quite achievable.”

Okpalaezeukwu reminded citizens and residents of Anambra state that their support to the government is vital in ensuring that the lofty promises of the governor come to fruition.

This support, he noted, must come in the form of prompt payment of their taxes and levies, active participation in democratic processes, and active involvement in community development efforts.

He called on high-net-worth Anambra people to continue to respond positively to the governor’s call on them to partner the state in every meaningful way, reminding them that government alone cannot effectively undertake the task of development without the citizens’ support.

Okpalaezeukwu promised that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, as the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, will continue to devote its resources and structures towards adequately mobilizing Anambra residents and citizens, especially at the grassroots, to play their role towards the achievement of the dream of a liveable and prosperous State.