Soludo's Second Term: Anambra Steps Into the Future With Hope By Chuka Nnabuife

By Chuka Nnabuife

With hearts full of hope and warmth, Ndi Anambra (the people of Anambra State) welcome a new dawn as Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo (CFR), and Deputy Governor, OnyekaChukwu Ibezim, take the oath of office for their second term on Tuesday, 17 March 2026. theirBright colours line the streets and smiles beam across faces as the Governor and his deputy close the chapter of their first term and step into the second.

The joy and gratitude were clearly evident on Sunday, 15 March, when Ndi Anambra gathered for an interdenominational thanksgiving service at the Anambra International Convention Centre. The service was held to thank God for how the state has emerged as a shining example of progress within just 35 years of its existence.

The event was attended by the Governor and his wife, Nonye Soludo, as well as the Deputy Governor and his wife. Also present were distinguished personalities including former governor Chris Ngige, National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Sly Ezeokenwa, the Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, traditional rulers, and other dignitaries. Leading clergymen and faith leaders were also in attendance.

The worship service followed an earlier prayer gathering held on Friday with the Anambra Muslim community in Awka.

During the events, Ndi Anambra thanked God for the remarkable achievements recorded during the first term of the Solution Government and prayed for even greater success in the next four years.

Speaking at the service, President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Francis Wale Oke, observed that Anambra State had advanced remarkably since his first visit in 1981. He also praised the state’s endowment with resourceful men and women who have earned national and global acclaim.

“There is no doubt about it—Anambra State is moving from glory to glory. But that is because you trust in God and consciously commit your affairs into His hands,” Bishop Oke said.

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of Sword of the Spirit Ministries International and Chancellor of Precious Cornerstone University described Governor Soludo as a man of outstanding records and a determined achiever. He recalled knowing him since the era of President Olusegun Obasanjo at Aso Rock, Abuja, but noted that Soludo’s consistent habit of “putting God first” sets him apart.

“When you continually praise the Lord, God takes over your battles,” the PFN President added.

The leader of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, also commended Anambra’s commitment to seeking divine guidance in its affairs and praised Governor Soludo’s leadership.

Addressing the Governor through a representative, the Primate of Church of Nigeria said: “It is worthy of note that throughout your first tenure you anchored your leadership on service to God and to humanity.

“Like King Solomon, you asked God for wisdom. You shall reap the benefits of wisdom and service to God through humanity.

“It shall surely be well with you. It shall surely be well with Anambra. It shall surely be well with Ndi Anambra.”

Explaining the purpose of the interdenominational service, Governor Soludo said his administration considered it appropriate to thank God for guiding them thus far and to commit the future into His hands.

“We have come to say, ‘Thank you, Jesus.’

“When I embarked on this mission, I said: ‘God, if it is Your will, use me to transform my state.’

“I have come again to place the next four years into His hands, that He alone may take control.”

The Governor also praised his wife and family for standing firmly behind him throughout his journey and reassured them that he would not disappoint them.

To Ndi Anambra, he pledged that despite the notable achievements of the past four years, the next four years would be even more remarkable.

“On the next four years… O nwebero ife unu fulu—you have not seen anything yet. Come with me on this journey. Let us move forward together,” Soludo beckoned.

He also hinted that value and productivity—not faith or place of origin—will remain the guiding principles of his administration.

* Nnabuife FNGE, FSNA, is the Managing Director of Anambra State Civic and Social Reformation Office (ANCISRO)