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Tag: Chukwuma Soludo

  • Soludo to build olympic size stadium in Anambra

    Soludo to build olympic size stadium in Anambra

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has promised to build an Olympic size Stadium in the state, to improve sports facilities and promote grassroots sports development.

    Soludo, who was represented by Dr Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information, made the disclosure at the 2024 Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Week in Awka on Friday.

    The SWAN week had the theme –  “Sports Development in Anambra: The Infrastructure Question”.

    The governor noted that his administration recognised the importance of  infrastructure in sports development.

    “The state government is investing hugely in sports infrastructure because we recognise the benefits of sports and contributions of Anambra indigenes in sports.

    “Sports is not only about football, there are about 19 sporting activities and Anambra has a comparative advantage in about 10 sports.

    “This is because a typical Anambra man or woman is physically fit and strong to get involved in sports and should be positioned to participate in state, regional and national sports activities.

    “The state government will construct an olympic size stadium in Anambra soon because sports is not just for fun, it is a serious economic activity that have made many athletes millionaires,” he said.

    Soludo urged SWAN to support the state government in developing sports in the state and evoke the interest of youths in sports activities, toward tackling youth restiveness and other vices.

    In his lecture, Prof. Chris Abakare of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and a guest lecturer, decried the dilapidated and inadequate sports facilities in the state.

    Abakare described the situation as a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the state government.

    He described sports as a unifying factor and also an effective stimulus for economic development in the country and across the globe.

    “I say this because of the good role sports play in the lives of our people and also globally.

    The guest lecturer appealed to the three tiers of government to collaborate with the private sector to improve sports facilities in the state and the country.

    He said that the measure would enable government to discover more good athletes for the state and the nation.

    Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigeria Olympic Committee, urged the state government to  construction standard stadium in each of the three Senatorial districts to drive sports development in the state.

    Also, Godwin Aghaulor, the Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police, in charge of Zone 13, Ukpo, Anambra State, urged youths to get involved in sports to eliminate idleness and crime in the state.

    Earlier, Chimezie Anaso, Chairman, SWAN, Anambra chapter, said the yearly event was to take stock of sporting activities in the state, chart the way forward and recognise stakeholders who have contributed positively in the sector.

    The event featured awards to recognise individuals and groups who have been contributing to the development of sports in the state.

  • Nigeria undergoing reset through subsidy removal- Soludo

    Nigeria undergoing reset through subsidy removal- Soludo

    The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that Nigeria is undergoing a fundamental and disruptive reset with the removal of subsidies by President Bola Tinubu.

    Soludo made this remark during Veritas University’s 13th Convocation Lecture in Abuja on Thursday.

    The lecture, titled ‘Let Us Make a New Deal for Nigeria’, explored ways to address the country’s challenges.

    Soludo noted the need to transition from subsidies, which largely benefitted the urban elite, to a productive social contract that creates opportunities for all.

    He explained that the country has ended the harmful fuel, foreign exchange, and electricity subsidies.

    “We have entered a ‘muddling-through’ phase that requires careful navigation,” Soludo said.

    He stated that he benefited from free, quality education at the primary, secondary, and university levels, with subsidised meals in public universities until government funding became unsustainable.

    He acknowledged that, despite other issues, the military regimes invested in education during Nigeria’s early oil booms.

    Soludo urged Nigerians to craft a pragmatic new deal for the country, as well as an emergency national infrastructure plan, similar to the U.S. Marshall Plan used to rebuild Europe after World War II.

    He encouraged Nigerian leaders to draw inspiration from the Marshall Plan to implement public works projects, financial reforms, and regulatory changes that could transform the nation.

    He also highlighted positive signs, such as the minimum wage legislation, the draft tax reform bill, and planned cash transfers.

    He called for historic coordination between federal and state governments to ensure swift implementation of these reforms.

    Soludo urged the graduating students to actively contribute to the country’s future.

    “The future you seek is in your hands. Only those who plan can control the future, While Nigeria may not have given you much, you are expected to give more than you have received”.

    He encouraged them to participate in shaping the nation’s destiny.

    In his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Veritas University, Prof. Hyacinth Ichoku, praised the governor’s commitment to youth education.

    He reaffirmed the university’s dedication to providing quality education and fostering strong moral values.

    The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Matthew Kukah, raised concerns about the rise of banditry and insecurity in Nigeria, attributed to uneducated individuals.

    He emphasised the need to address this issue for the safety of future generations.

  • Gov Soludo reacts over passing of Humphrey Nwosu

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has expressed profound sadness over the passing of Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, saying Nigeria has lost a true umpire of electoral integrity in him.

    Soludo’s tribute is contained in a statement issued in Awka by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, and made available to newsmen on Thursday. He described Nwosu as the most illustrious Nigerian patriot.

    It was learnt that Nwosu, Chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), died in the early hours of Thursday in the United States. He reportedly died, following a brief illness, at the age of 83.

    The statement described Nwosu as a distinguished son of Anambra from Ajali Community in Orumba North Local Government Area. It pointed put that the octogenarian “brought immense pride to the state through his exemplary service to the nation”.

    It further noted that Nwosu’s tenure as NEC chairman, from 1989 to 1993, “marked a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly through his innovative contributions to the nation’s electoral process.

    “Nigeria has lost a true umpire of electoral integrity in Prof. Nwosu. His legacy has been eternally etched in Nigerian history as the architect of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election, widely acknowledged as the freest and fairest in our nation’s history.

    “His gamechanging innovations, including the Option A4 voting system and Open Ballot system, earned global recognition and set new standards for electoral transparency in Africa. These innovations have continued to influence contemporary discussions on electoral best practices in Nigeria,” it added.

    The governor extended his “solemn condolences” to the bereaved family and Ajali Community. He urged all to take solace in knowing that his legacy of electoral integrity and democratic values cannot be forgotten. He prayed that his soul finds eternal rest.

  • Gov Soludo swears-in newly elected 21 LG chairmen

    Gov Soludo swears-in newly elected 21 LG chairmen

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has sworn-in 21 elected Local Government Chairmen and charged them to be hardworking and prioritise grassroots development during their tenure.

    Speaking during the swearing-in at the Government House on Thursday in Awka, Soludo urged the new council executives to always put the residents first in all they do because they were elected to serve the people.

    He told the chairmen that they were coming on board at a time the people expected much, urging them not to disappoint those who elected them.

    “Congratulations on your victory at the polls. You have transmitted from the realm of politics to governance. Therefore, see yourselves as agents of positive change in your communities.

    “Welcome to project Anambra. Let us work collaboratively to advance the common good of the people because ultimately, we have one goal which is the security and welfare of the people.

    “As a team in project Anambra, we will not let the people down. You are now sworn-in, show us what you can do. The clock just started ticking. I wish all of you a very successful tenure in office,” the Governor said.

    Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, Dr Chibuike Ofobuike, Chairman, Aguata LGA, thanked the governor for his leadership and promised their unalloyed support.

    Ofobuike said they would build on the landmark achievements of the government at the grassroots.

    Party faithful, relatives and friends of the new chairmen, among others were present at the ceremony.

  • BREAKING: Gov Soludo declares free education in Anambra

    BREAKING: Gov Soludo declares free education in Anambra

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced free education for students of public senior secondary schools in the State. Soludo made the announcement in Awka during a meeting with principals and head teachers in public primary and secondary schools.

    Recall that Governor Soludo had on September 21, 2023 announced free and compulsory education from nursery to junior secondary in public schools in line with his Solution Free Education policy.

    Speaking during the meeting with principals and head teachers in public schools on Thursday, Soludo noted that from next week, the free education policy would be available to students of senior secondary in public schools.

    He said this would further increase children’s access to education and ensure effective development of their personality, talents, mental and physical abilities.

    “I want to assure you that even with the resource constraint; our administration will continue to work very hard to deliver on its mandate. I am giving a directive that students in senior classes, who have already paid their N5,000 tuition fees for this term should be refunded,’’ he said.

    He reiterated his administration’s dedication to human capital development and promised to continue making strides in this area. Soludo also said that the government would commence payment of the N70,000 minimum wage in October.

    “We remain committed to investing in our people and this new minimum wage and free education initiative are testaments to our resolve. This move is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of workers and students in Anambra, improving their standard of living and access to quality education,’’ he said.

  • APGA will sweep Anambra LG election – Gov Soludo boasts

    APGA will sweep Anambra LG election – Gov Soludo boasts

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has expressed confidence in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) securing a landslide victory in the 28 September council elections.

    Soludo, also APGA’s National Leader, said this at the APGA mega rally held in Awka on Saturday.

    He noted that out of nine contesting parties, only APGA fielded candidates for all 21 chairmanship and 326 councillorship positions.

    Soludo stated, “APGA is fully prepared for the elections, and I assure you, there is no opposition or competition to challenge us.”

    He urged residents to vote en masse for APGA, promising free, fair, and transparent elections.

    APGA National Chairman, Sly Ezeokenwa, highlighted Anambra’s 18 years of progress under the party, urging voters to ensure continuity by supporting APGA.

    In his remarks, Former National Chairman, Victor Oye, described the candidates as men and women of integrity who would deliver.

    A symbolic presentation of the party flag was made to the 21 chairmanship and 326 ward councillorship candidates.

  • Anambra Assembly confirms 21 LG transition committee chairmen

    Anambra Assembly confirms 21 LG transition committee chairmen

    The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed Mr Romanus Ibekwe and 20 others, including a woman, as new transition committee chairmen.

    The transition committees are to manage the administration of local government areas for three months in the first instance.

    The lawmakers confirmed all the nominees at a  plenary session on Thursday after the nominees were screened by the relevant committees of the assembly.

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo sent their names to the House of Assembly for consideration on Wednesday.

    The only woman among the chairmen is Amaka Obi,  for Idemili South LGA.

    Mr Chukwuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, who presented the nominees, said that all them met the requirements.

    He requested that the assembly should approve their nomination.

    Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly, subjected the request to members of the assembly, who unanimously voted for the approval  adoption.

    Udeze said that the exercise was in  fulfillment of Section 208 of the Local Government Law of 1999 as amended.

    The speaker also announced the names of councillors who would work with the Chairmen in their various LGAs.

    Councillors nominated for Ezi-Anam Ward and Ukpor Ward 5 in  Anambra West and Nnewi South, respectively,  were stepped down based on petitions against them.

    Meanwhile, the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONET) has expressed concern at the constitution of  the transition committees.

    Mr Chris Azor, the Coordinator of ACSONET, who reacted to the nomination and confirmation of the committees, said that the civil society desired to see democracy at the grassroots.

    “We feel worried about the development.

    “However, we feel the governor may have nominated the transition committee  members in order to avoid a vacuum.

    “We implore the governor to make this the last transition to a guaranteed democracy at that level, as enshrined in Section 7(1) of the 1999 Constitution,” he said.

    Anambra State Gov.  Chukwuma Soludo had, in a letter dated May 17, sacked the former transition chairmen and directed them  to handover affairs of  local governments to the heads of local government administration.

    The nomination came as a surprise to some people who expected that Soludo would conduct local government elections soon since he sent a bill for re-establishment of the Anambra State Independent Electoral Commission  to the assembly in May.

  • IPMAN gives Soludo ultimatum to address marketers’ grievances

    IPMAN gives Soludo ultimatum to address marketers’ grievances

    The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), has given Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra one month within which to address the demands of marketers in the state or face total shutdown of operations without further notice.

    Marketers in the state reached this decision at the end of the statewide meeting held in Awka on Tuesday.

    Mr Chinedu Anyaso, Chairman of IPMAN Enugu Depot Community, in charge of Anambra, Ebonyi and Enugu States, who addressed Journalists after the meeting, said the association had reported cases affecting its members to the governor without any response.

    Anyaso said the grievances of marketers in Anambra included the issue of consolidated revenue payable and withdrawal of all litigations against members based on multiple taxation which was not in line with the understanding IPMAN had with the Anambra government.

    He said IPMAN discussed the problem of non-payment of debt amounting to about N900 million owed contractors who supplied diesel for powering streetlight projects in the state.

    Anyaso also said that among the demands of the association was the demolition of part of the property of Chris Tee Nigeria limited, a marketer at Trans-Nkissi phase 1 along Onitsha-Otuocha road which was destroyed by agents of government.

    He said IPMAN would not issue further notice upon the expiration of the deadline before shutting their outlets.

    Anyaso thanked Chief Ken Maduako, a patron of the association, Mr Golden Iloh, member of the Anambra State House of Assembly and representative of the Anambra Internal Revenue Service, for their intervention and hoped that the Soludo administration would act on their plea to prevent the looming industrial action.

    He commended Gov. Soludo for his efforts to make Anambra a peaceful and liveable state while urging him to make the business environment conducive for investors, especially oil marketers.

    He pledged positive disposition of the association to continue to support his administration to succeed.

    The chairman commended marketers for complying fully with the partial shutdown and attendance to the meeting, saying it was a great show of comradeship.

  • I am not impressed with Soludo’s 2 years in office – 2021 opponent

    I am not impressed with Soludo’s 2 years in office – 2021 opponent

    Mr Valentine Ozigbo, a Chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), has said that he was not impressed with the performance of Gov. Chukwuma Soludo as governor of Anambra.

    Therefore, he says, he will contest the governorship election in 2025 to provide better governance for the people of Anambra

    Soludo clocked two years in office on March 17.

    Ozigbo who spoke to journalists in Awka said he would contest in 2025 to as part of his avowed commitment to serve Anambra people.

    He said he decided not to make comments on governance of Anambra two years after the last election but had now decided to provide opposition in order to tell people of the state that they deserved more quality governance.

    According to him, “I want to say that I am still Committed to serving Anambra.

    “I am not impressed with Soludo’s two years in office. Anambra is a great state, so, for you to serve the state well, you must be courteous.

    “You must be humble and relate with people in order to understand the people and make them to be part of what you are doing for them.

    “After the 2021 election, I resolved to be quiet in the first two years but going forward, I want to start holding Soludo responsible for his actions,” he said.

    Ozigbo, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said he was interested in the coming election on the platform of the LP.

    He said he was a respecter of zoning arrangement in Anambra and would only serve for a single term of four years, if elected.

    “You will be proud of Anambra if I become the governor.

    “I am a victim of transactional Politics, so much betrayal even among those that were made leaders in the movement but we have learnt our lessons.

    “I respect zoning but it must be mixed with merit to make sense.

    “I will serve a single tenure of four years and based on integrity, I will honour the zoning arrangement.

    “Four years is enough for me to make the most impact and move on,” he said.

  • Catholic Bishop tells Soludo what Anambra needs next after roads

    Catholic Bishop tells Soludo what Anambra needs next after roads

    Most Rev. Dr Paulinus Ezeokafor, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, has commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for his achievements so far.

    Ezeokafor made the commendation during the interdenominational church service to mark Soludo’s two years in office, in Awka on Sunday.

    He said it was impressive that Soludo had so far awarded contracts for over 400 km of roads and completed over 200 km.

    He commended the governor for his commitment to serve the people and promise to deliver good governance.

    “You applied for it, you have no option but to deliver.

    “Any careful observer will agree with me that Soludo has tried, he has done well in the construction of high quality roads,” he said.

    Ezeokafor, however, noted that power supply in the state had failed and become a challenge to development.

    He said there was no way Anambra would become the envisioned Dubai-Taiwan if power was not guaranteed.

    “We are the Light of the Nation without light; those in charge should act fast and I call on Gov. Soludo to think of our Geometric so that we can be like Abia which has become a reference point.

    “I want to thank Gov. Alex Otti for what he is doing. I want to thank that woman that defied rain and storm to announce the correct result. Indeed, when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice,” he said.

    Ezeokafor commended Soludo for his urban renewal programme and Mr Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, for carrying out the programme effectively.

    He condemned street trading and called for alternative locations for displaced traders so that they could continue their commercial activities to address the ‘hunger in the land’.

    The Bishop raised concerns about the widening gap between parents and their children, saying that the government must address the school system.

    Ezeokafor backed Soludo on the implementation and enforcement of Anambra burial law, saying it was in the best interest of the masses, especially the poor.

    “I understand that children now leave home by 6:am and return by 6:30pm, some primary schools now have boarding arrangements; parents no longer want their children to be close to them.

    “Our children do not have the opportunity to learn home fundamentals, I call on the government to look into our school system so that we do not have a generation of intelligent but criminally smart children,” he said.

    How I will address electricity challenge in Anambra – Gov. Soludo

    Gov. Chukwuma Soludo says the Anambra government would address the power challenge in the State by replicating the Geometric Power project.

    Soludo said this while presenting the scorecard of his two years stewardship in office in Awka on Sunday.

    The governor said the electricity generated by Geometrics today was a product of 20 years, vowing that the state government would replicate the same in the state within a shorter time range.

    Soludo, who commended Prof. Barth Nnaji for his innovation, said his administration had studied the power plant process and set up a team to work out the Anambra version.

    He said his government was struggling to do more with less as revenue available to the state had reduced significantly by over 25 per cent short of previous allocation on one hand and heavy inflation on the other.

    According to him, “if you are to line up Anambra people and share the allocation coming to the state among them, it will amount to N2,800 per person a month and that is what we are using to do these things.”

    Soludo said he was conscious of the prevailing hard times and as such running what he described as the most austere government such that he was not earning salary from the state and his wife had no official vehicle.

    He said he was committed to putting money in the hands of the poor by providing free quality public education, free delivery services and other social services.

    He said going forward, he would deepen governance delivery in security, technology innovation and digital economy, education and human capital

    Earlier, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, former Secretary General of Commonwealth, said the last two two years had seen extraordinary achievement in Anambra.