ANAMBRA: MAKING STEADY PROGRESS

By Stella Obi

Anambra State was created on August 27, 1991, by the Military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The state’s early years were marked by efforts to build foundational infrastructure and address underdevelopment having been governed by different military administrators and civilian governors.

Since creation, Anambra has transformed from a relatively underdeveloped region into one of Nigeria’s most dynamic states, known for entrepreneurial spirit, commercial hubs and high human development indices.

Anambra State is undergoing significant transformation under the leadership of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR. His administration has prioritized security, infrastructure development, human capital development and economic transformation.

After 34 years of existence, the state has seen remarkable progress in various sectors.

Anambra ‘s economy has grown significantly since 1991, evolving from a primarily agrarian and trading base to a diversified one with strengths in commerce, manufacturing and services. Some key factors driving the economy are natural resources, agriculture, manufacturing and commerce.
Under Governor Soludo’s leadership, Anambra’s economy is growing with the implementation of strategic plans and investment in various sectors.
Economic reforms were accelerated and Internally Generated Revenue increased.

The state ranks among Nigeria’s top six largest economies, with low poverty indicators and first among the seventeen Southern states in Ease of Doing Business in 2023.
Governor Soludo’s focus on economic development and fiscal discipline, ranked Anambra State among the top five states in fiscal sustainability.

Anambra is positioning itself as a commercial and logistics hub, with the establishment of the Anambra Mixed-Used Industrial City and the Pharmaceutical Distribution and Manufacturing Hub.
These projects aim to attract significant investment and create numerous job opportunities.

Infrastructure has been a cornerstone of Anambra’s transformation.
The Soludo led administration has constructed over 754 kilometers of road across the 21 local government areas, with 462 kilometers asphalted and completed.
The completion of the state-of-the-art Government House and lodge, breaking a 34 year jinx.

Governor Soludo has completed key projects such as the Funcity, Ekwulobia flyover. The Chinua Achebe Airport, has enhanced connectivity.
The present administration has rehabilitated five major water schemes, ensuring access to pipped water for residents and a renewable energy initiative has converted over 26,000 diesel-powered streetlights to solar energy. The present administration has prioritized infrastructure development, including road construction, with projects like the dualization of the Amawbia-to-Imo State Road.
Governor Soludo also embarked on Operation Zero Potholes and urban regeneration.

Education has been a standout area of progress. The state inherited a strong foundation from missionary schools but faced accreditation and infrastructure gaps. Education reforms under former Governor Peter Obi elevated Anambra to first in national exams. The state achieved a remarkable increase in school enrollment, thanks to Governor Soludo’s free education policy. This also ranked the state lowest in out-of-school children in the country.

Under the present administration the education sector witnessed massive recruitment of teachers, schools upgrade to smart schools, a public private community partnership model, attracting philanthropists and grants to mission schools.
Students have won national and international awards.

As years rolled by, health indicators improved a great deal. The first state owned teaching hospital, Chukwuma Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital was built in 2010. The teaching hospital has been equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Recent achievements in the health sector under Governor Soludo include recruitment of medical professionals, free antenatal delivery services, renovating of 326 Primary Healthcare Centers. Telemedicine and cervical cancer screening centers have been introduced. The state government had built new general hospitals.
Anambra has recorded significant progress in healthcare with the lowest infant mortality rate in the country.
The sector has also won national and international awards.

Governor Soludo has prioritized security, establishing a new security architecture anchored in technology and the “Homeland Security Law”
He has been instrumental in shaping the state’s security and governance landscape since assumption into office.
Governor Soludo launched the “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” and establishing a new state security supervisor committee to enhance security. Governor Soludo led administration supplied over 500 vehicles to security agencies and empowered communities.

Governor Soludo’s administration is working to transform Onitsha into a major commercial hub with the construction of 21st century market and other infrastructure projects. The present administration is also developing other towns, which are expected to boost economic growth and development.

Anambra State is making significant strides in various sectors.
In 34 years, the state has transformed into a leading state in education, health , commerce and infrastructure booms under Governor Soludo positioning it for further growth, opportunities and development.

• Obi is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *