ANAMBRA 2025: DEMOCRATIC STABILITY, STEADY SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROWTH

By Stella Obi

The year 2025 marked a pivotal phase in Anambra State’s development trajectory, characterised by democratic consolidation, strengthened public institutions and steady socio-economic progress. Anchored by the successful conduct of the governorship election and the re-election of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, the year reflected focused governance, improved service delivery and renewed public confidence in the state’s future.

Throughout the year under review, the Anambra State Government recorded measurable advances across key sectors, including security, healthcare, education, infrastructure, economic reforms, innovation and environmental management.

Targeted policies, strategic investments and inclusive programmes were deployed to enhance the quality of life of Ndi Anambra, deepen institutional efficiency and improve the state’s competitiveness as a destination for investment and innovation.

Politics dominated public discourse in 2025, culminating in the November 8 Governorship election. Earlier in the year, Governor Chukwuma Soludo formally declared his intention to seek re-election, setting the tone for an active political season marked by widespread mobilisation, campaign engagements and stakeholder consultations across the state.

In the build-up to the election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies, consistently assured stakeholders of a credible and peaceful process. Security deployment was reinforced through increased patrols and surveillance before, during and after the election to forestall disruptions.

Beyond election-related security, the Anambra State Police Command recorded notable gains in crime reduction. Declines in violent crimes, including kidnapping and armed robbery, were reported, with several abducted persons rescued through coordinated operations. Law enforcement agencies also intensified actions against cultism and unlawful gatherings, particularly in student-dominated areas, reinforcing a proactive approach to maintaining public order.

In the education sector, the state government declared a statewide school-free day in honour of teachers, recognising their contributions to human capital development and reaffirming commitment to ongoing education reforms. A milestone was recorded when Woliwo Primary School, Onitsha, won the Presidential Award for Best Public Primary School in Nigeria during the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebrations, bringing national acclaim to the state. The State witnessed education focused initiatives.

The health sector witnessed significant progress during the year. The Soludo administration sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure with the construction of new general hospitals across the state, equipped with modern facilities. Thousands of health workers were recruited and deployed, while community outreach programmes and telemedicine initiatives expanded access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Free vaccination campaigns and maternal health initiatives further improved preventive healthcare uptake.

These achievements attracted national recognition, as Anambra State received Primary Healthcare Leadership Awards from the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, UNICEF and the Federal Ministry of Health.

Additionally, the First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, was honoured as Humanitarian First Lady of the Year (Healthcare and Child Support) at the 2025 Nigerian Humanitarian Awards, in recognition of her community health advocacy through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative. The Commissioner for Health also received an award for leadership in healthcare delivery and policy implementation, underscoring institutional performance and community impact.

In the environment sector, the state implemented major initiatives, including Operation Clear Your Waterways, a pre-rainy season enforcement campaign aimed at clearing blocked drains and mitigating flood risks. Urban aesthetic improvement drives, sanitation enforcement, climate policy engagement and multi-agency crackdowns on environmental violations collectively contributed to cleaner and healthier public spaces.

Anambra’s trade, investment and commerce sector recorded steady progress, driven by business-enabling reforms, enhanced investment promotion, MSME and industrial cluster development, and infrastructure projects that improved commercial mobility and connectivity. These interventions reinforced the state’s reputation as an investor-friendly and commercially vibrant economy.

In the area of innovation, technology and ICT, the state deepened digital infrastructure development, skills acquisition and e-governance. The Solution Innovation District (SID) partnered with SMFEST Awka to empower over 2,000 youths with digital and creative skills, while continuous training programmes strengthened the state’s tech-savvy workforce. Expanded digital connectivity, free public Wi-Fi initiatives, improved digital governance and multiple awards at the National Council on Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) further affirmed Anambra’s strides in digital transformation.

Culturally, the year witnessed the launch of the inaugural Onwa Dezemba Christmas and New Year Festival, a large-scale cultural and tourism initiative designed to showcase Igbo heritage and boost tourism. Traditional institutions also sustained their relevance, with communities hosting colourful Ofala festivals that attracted dignitaries, tourists and indigenes, reinforcing unity, resilience and cultural pride.

By the end of 2025, Anambra State had emerged as a state in transition effectively balancing governance, security, social development, economic reform, technological growth and cultural revitalisation making the year a landmark period in its development journey.

Stella is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State