By Ifeyinwa Ogwo
On March 17, 2026, in Awka, Anambra State, a historic event took place as Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with ex-presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, attended the second-term inauguration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
The event, held at the newly modernised and expanded Alex Ekwueme Square, featured the swearing-in of the governor and deputy by the Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu.
During the ceremony, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, praised Governor Soludo’s developmental achievements in Anambra, highlighting his leadership and vision for transforming the state. “Prof. Soludo is a man of ideas, a developer, loyal, and disciplined. The people of Anambra have seen what many of us have recognized—The Soludo Solution.
“He has shown us that political differences should not breed hostility but open opportunities for collaboration. We’ve seen an administration eager to rebuild the people’s confidence. This second term is a chance to consolidate progress and strengthen what has already been built,” he said.
President Tinubu wished that the new term brings wisdom surpassing ambition, courage greater than mere convenience, and fidelity matching the magnitude of today’s events. “May Anambra continue to rise,” he added.
In his speech, Governor Soludo welcomed all dignitaries. He mentioned several projects, such as Ekwulobia flyover, Solution Fun City, and Light House, which were initiated outside his manifesto but completed during his tenure. “In the past four years, we took the oath quietly and immediately set to work.
We started in Okpoko, focusing on the most urgent needs and the long-neglected. Our administration underwent significant transformation, fulfilling most promises. You can see that Anambra is visibly rising.”
He also reported that around 62 criminal camps have been dismantled, eight troubled local government areas have been liberated, and the Monday sit-at-home order is now over, with schools, businesses, markets, and public servants returning to normal.
“In the next four years, we will accelerate ongoing reforms across sectors, secure our spaces, and lay the groundwork for lasting prosperity and institutional change,” Soludo declared.
He encouraged Ndi Anambra and investors to seize this opportunity and participate in the transformation shaping the state’s future.
The event was also attended by other notable figures, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, former Anambra Governors, deputy governors, traditional rulers and monarchs, as well as Clergymen.
Ifeyinwa is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
