State News

News from all over Anambra State

GOV. SOLUDO UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIVE 2025 BUDGET OF N607 BILLION

By Maureen Agbala :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday presented the state’s 2025 budget proposal of N606.99 billion to the State House of Assembly in Awka.

Themed “Changing Gears 2.0”, the budget signifies a 48% increase from the 2024 budget and emphasizes infrastructure, economic transformation, human capital development, and social welfare. Gov. Soludo described the budget as a bold step toward creating a modern, prosperous, and livable homeland.

“This is a budget of consolidation and transformation. With it, we aim to sustain the momentum of our developmental strides while navigating the turbulent economic waters that Nigeria currently faces.” The governor noted that inflationary pressures and the removal of fuel subsidies had presented challenges but emphasized his administration’s commitment to resilience.

The proposed budget dedicates 77% (N467.5 billion) to capital expenditure and 23% (N139.5 billion) to recurrent expenditure. Sectoral increases include education (101.4%), health (57.1%), social services (82.7%), infrastructure (38.9%), and the judiciary (51.3%). Addressing the N148.3 billion budget deficit, Soludo expressed confidence in funding through revenue growth and prudent borrowing, saying, “We remain focused on minimizing debt reliance while maximizing impact”.

Highlighting the achievements of the 2024 “Changing Gears” agenda, Soludo noted progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He pointed to the free education initiative for Senior Secondary 3 students, recruitment of 3,115 teachers and equipping 60 STEM schools. In healthcare, free antenatal care and deliveries supported 70,000 women, while 326 primary health centers and a trauma center at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital were established.

Infrastructure milestones included 540 kilometers of roads under construction, 310 kilometers completed, and progress on the Ekwulobia flyover. Over one million palm and coconut seedlings were distributed to 130,000 households under the agriculture initiative. Youth empowerment programs like One Youth, Two Skills trained 20,000 youths in technology and entrepreneurship.

For 2025, Soludo outlined ambitious plans, with over 70% of the budget earmarked for infrastructure and economic transformation. Key projects include dualization of the 34- Kilometres Amawbia-to-Imo State road, finalization of the Ekwulobia flyover and urban development under Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new industrial city. “Our vision is to redefine Anambra’s urban and industrial landscape,” he emphasized.

Tourism will see a boost with N10 billion for leisure centers and the redevelopment of Agulu Lake. A 10-storey Marriott Hotel and Africa’s largest shopping mall will be constructed in Awka. In transport, the government plans to enhance mass transit systems and equip Chinua Achebe International Airport with night-landing facilities for 24-hour operations. “Connectivity is vital for economic growth,” Soludo said.

Education receives N11 billion for smart schools, N22 billion for institutional development, and N3 billion for student loans. Healthcare allocations include N5 billion for a cancer hospital, N7 billion for hospital expansion, and N1 billion for free antenatal care. Agricultural efforts continue with N2 billion for palm and coconut seedling distribution, aiming for 10 million seedlings over six years.

The Ministry of Works is allocated N200 billion for road projects, while homeland security receives N2 billion for armored vehicles and equipment. N500 million will fund special projects in riverine and oil-producing areas. The Solution Innovation District will expand operations with N2.24 billion, modeled after Silicon Valley to drive tech growth.

Gov. Soludo pledged focus amid the approaching 2025 election. “While others campaign, we will work relentlessly to deliver our agenda,” he assured. Anambra’s investor-friendly reputation remains intact, as evidenced by the recent ANinvest 2.0 summit, which secured partnerships with Afreximbank and the African Development Bank.

The “Changing Gears 2.0” budget, according to Soludo, represents a transformative leap toward making Anambra a beacon of governance, prosperity, and equity. With bold initiatives and a clear roadmap, the state is poised for sustained growth.

*Key MDA Deliverables in the 2025 Budget*

Ministry of Culture, Entertainment & Tourism–Development of leisure and entertainment centers across the state: ₦10 billion.

Ministry of Women Affairs–Micro Enterprises Support Scheme (MESS): ₦2 billion.

Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning–State Counterpart Fund: ₦5 billion

Ministry of Information–Media outreach, information, communication, and social orientation: ₦5 billion.

Ministry of Works–Completion of ongoing road projects and construction of new ones: ₦200 billion. New Cities Development–Awka, Onitsha, and Industrial City: ₦32 billion. Development Projects–Development of a 4-star hotel: ₦15 billion. Development of new markets: ₦10 billion

Fitting and equipping the new Government House, amphitheater, banquet hall, Governor’s Lodge, security houses, etc.: ₦5 billion. Completion of SID building: ₦3 billion.

Ministry of Transport–Purchase of buses for mass transit and marine infrastructure (buses, jetties, boats): ₦2.5 billion

Homeland Security–Sustaining security through the purchase of armored personnel carriers and other equipment: ₦2 billion

Ministry of Special Duties–Special intervention projects in riverine and oil-producing communities: ₦500 million.

Ministry of Agriculture–Oil palm and coconut seedling program: ₦2 billion.

Ministry of Power & Water Resources–Extension of power to underserved areas, solar streetlights, and solar for government offices: ₦7 billion

Revamping urban water schemes: ₦5 billion.

House of Assembly–Building of legislative quarters: ₦1.5 billion.

Solution Innovation District (SID)–Sustaining and expanding operations of SID: ₦2.24 billion.

Ministry of Youth Development–Youth innovation and empowerment program: ₦3 billion

Ministry of Education–Renovation, construction, and equipping of smart schools: ₦11 billion. Student loan/bursary scheme for students: ₦3 billion. Developing institutions: ₦22 billion. Supplementary funds to secondary schools: ₦1 billion. Transport support for schools: ₦250 million.

Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited–Development of solid minerals: ₦2.39 billion.

Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resource Limited–Development of petroleum and energy resources: ₦1.78 billion

Ministry of Health–Construction and equipping of general hospitals: ₦3 billion Accreditation of general hospitals: ₦1 billion. Extension of free antenatal care and delivery: ₦1 billion. Construction and equipping of the College of Nursing and extension of Amaku Teaching Hospital in Aguata: ₦7 billion. Construction of a standalone trauma center: ₦1.5 billion. Upgrading of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital: ₦1 billion. Construction of a cancer hospital: ₦5 billion.

Anambra State Erosion, Watershed, and Climate Change Agency–Erosion control: ₦2 billion.

*Maureen is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA STATE COMMENCED PAYMENT OF NEW MINIMUM WAGE SINCE OCTOBER 2024

Press Release

The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to some media reports that have excluded Anambra State from the states in Nigeria that have paid the new minimum wage of N70,000. Some media outlets merely managed to capture Anambra State only among the states whose governors have indicated interest in paying the new minimum wage.

To put the record straight, the promise by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR to pay the new minimum wage was made good since the month of October, when the new minimum wage payment commenced in Anambra State with the payment of October salaries.

To add to it, the state has also adjusted pensions upward to give pensioners in Anambra State higher take-home.

Professor Chukwuma Soludo remains a labour-friendly governor as the workers in Anambra State have not only received the new minimum wage but also continue to receive salary alerts on or before the 25th of every month.

Law Mefor, PhD

Commissioner for Information

Anambra state

GOVERNOR SOLUDO PRESENTS 2025 APPROPRIATION BILL

By Chizoba Okeke :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has on Tuesday presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Anambra State House of Assembly.

This event which was graced by lawmakers, state executives and dignitaries showed the importance of the legislative-executive collaboration in shaping the future of Anambra State.

The Speaker, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze in his welcome address, emphasized the constitutional essence of the gathering under section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution. He highlighted the budget presentation as a foundational step in the state’s fiscal journey, reflecting the administration’s vision for sustainable development and growth.

Udeze who commended Governor Soludo’s commitment to e-governance and transformative leadership, noting that Anambra State now leads in fiscal prudence, ease of doing business, and low rates of out-of-school children in the country,

noted that this progress has been possible through collaborative legislative support and the diligent work of the 8th Assembly.

The speaker also reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to the core functions of representation, lawmaking, and oversight, with a focus on delivering legislation that aligns with the aspirations of Ndi Anambra.

Udeze highlighted legislative progress, including the approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as a precursor to the detailed budget presentation. He further advocated for the establishment of the Legislative Budget and Research Office (LEBRO), a body that would enhance legislative analysis and oversight functions.

Furthermore, the 8th Assembly is pushing for infrastructural development within the legislative complex, including considerations for a Legislators’ Quarters, complementing the recent enhancements under Governor Soludo’s administration.

Recognizing the integral link between security and development, speaker Udeze called for collective action in addressing the security challenges facing the state. He urged all stakeholders and citizens to contribute to intelligence-sharing and communal efforts to combat insecurity, ensuring that Anambra remains a safe haven for its people and investors alike.

* Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

HAPPY INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY

SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS PENDING INVESTIGATION

ANAMBRA INVESTMENT SUMMIT GEARED AT ACCELERATING PARTNERSHIP FOR TRANSFORMATION OF ANAMBRA—GOV. SOLUDO

By Amaka Isikala/Ebele Iyke Odili :

The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo has described the Anambra State Investment Summit as a strategic event which is geared towards accelerating partnerships for the state’s transformation.

The Summit was put together by the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) at the International Civic Centre (ICC), Awka which was themed, ‘Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra Economic Transformation’.

The governor while thanking the attendees for the sacrifice they made to grace the occasion said that the event is like non-other as Anambra State is ready for investment.

“The fundamentals are strong and we are doing everything to actualize a livable and sustainable Anambra in terms of infrastructure, industrialization and a huge dive into security matters which we are not relenting to keep in check.

“That we are asking the people to invest in Anambra is not to do us a favour but it is in their own interests; those who invested now in the mixed used industrial city, the Awka 2.0 and Onitsha 2.0 would tell the story in years to come.

“We are looking for partners and I commend and urge you all to come home and invest.”

The Commissioner for Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu while participating in a panel of discussion at the summit, described the state as a strong and thriving hub for trade, commerce and industry.

He said that the people’s entrepreneurial prowess and the government’s groundbreaking development of the state makes it a business friendly environment and a destination for investment deals.

The commissioner noted that historically the state is a significant producer of farm produce like rice, cassava, vegetables, yams and sundry agro production.

“We have 12 clusters of industrial capacity across Anambra and Mr. Governor felt the need to have a structure that is industrial driven; that is the reason this administration has given birth to the concept of enabling an industrial development which include automotive and pharmaceutical hub.”

Mr. Udechukwu affirmed that the Gov. Soludo’s administration is working at ensuring that the state becomes the industrial hub for Africa as a whole.

The Managing Director, ANSIPPA, Mr. Mark Okoye emphasized that the progress that Gov. Soludo has made is a testament to the commitment he has towards making the state a proud investment destination.

“We are taking a next step into our journey by changing gears which required not just momentum acceleration but a strategic focus on the future despite the challenges we face.

“It is clear that the role of the policy makers in the state is to come up with actions and solutions that commands a tangible difference in the lives of our residents”.

The MD noted that Gov. Soludo and his team has shown an unwavering dedication to transforming the state from a place of opportunity to a destination for investment and prosperity.

“Our goal is to make Anambra a beacon for sustainable growth and economic development. This summit is part of our vision, which leads to a collective duty to focus on long term planning and creation of a frame work that would ensure the sustainable growth of our economy not just for today but for generations to come.”

Climax of the event was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) between some Organizations and the government to lay credence to the Private Public Partnership (PPP) policies of the state government.

SOLUDO UNFOLDS BLUEPRINT TO MAKE ANAMBRA CHOICE DESTINATION FOR INVESTORS

Michael Ezenwata. :

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has unleashed tangible policies aimed at making Anambra the epicenter of industrial activities for investors.

To actualize the vision,the governor announced plans to rejig the security apparati of the state to make it conducive for investment purposes.

He gave the indication at the second edition of the Anambra summit 2024 at the international convention centre Awka.

Speaking on the theme of the summit,”Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation’, governor Soludo noted that his cardinal policy thrust is to build a state he will be proud to live in and invest in after serving out his term as governor.

Given the rich endowment of human and material resources in the state, he urged investors to make haste to invest in the state which has attractive prospects for growth and rapid industrialization.

He listed some vital projects such as the ongoing ten storied five star hotel located beside the international convention centre which is being piled, the Awka Shopping Mall Complex in Awka, the nearing completion of the new government house and governor’s lodge complex, and the up grading of the Chinua Achebe international airport with night landing light facilities to be installed, among other projects scattered in all the 3 senatorial zones of the state in their various levels of completion.

Governor Soludo solicited the support of the citizenry to actualize his vision for the state.

In a speech, the state Chairman of the Anambra State Investment, Promotion and Protection Agency(ANSIPPA) Mr. Mark Okoye junior expressed delight in the policy thrust of governor Soludo which occasioned the signings of some memorandum of understanding between the state and its foreign and local partners.

In a press statement on the launching of the second edition of the summit, a community leader in Umuawulu, Chike Oranye (ESQ) commended governor Soludo on his good policy thrust and urged that Umuawulu which has a wide expanse of land and located within the Awka Capital territory be enlisted as communities where Agricultural industry or a Manufacturing industry should be sited.

Highpoints on the occasion were the signings of memorandum of understanding between the Anambra State government and some of its foreign and local partners, and conveying of goodwill messages by the state’s development partners.

Some dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Secretary to the state government Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu, some members of the state executive council, captains of industries, the traditional ruler of Ihiala Igwe Thomas Obidiegwu and other traditional rulers, the Chairman of Njikoka LGA Godwin Ononiba (ESQ), among others.

GOV SOLUDO EXPRESSES GRATITUDE TO CHURCH FOR SUPPORT TO FLOOD VICTIMS

By Chisom Okpala :

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has expressed his gratitude to the Church of Jesus Christ of Later -Day Saints for bringing succour to those affected by flood in the state.

“I want to thank the Church immensely on behalf of the state government and the great people of the state for this kind gesture,” Soludo noted.

The Governor explained that flooding in the state is an annual reoccurring disaster and should be treated as a permanent emergency.

While calling on other Religious bodies, private sectors, NGOs, International Organizations, Communities, Individuals, others to emulate the example shown by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in extending partnership to the state, Gov. Soludo reiterated that the Public Private Community Partnership (PPCP) model is widely adopted in every sector of development in the state, pointing out that the church fall into the community context of the model.

He, thereby, promised that the government team will ensure efficient distribution of the items, making sure that the items were given to those in most need of them.

Speaking, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. OnyekaChukwu Ibezim who is the Chairman Anambra State Flood Management Team said that no mortality has been recorded in this year’s flooding, which is as a result of the proactive measures adopted by the government in mitigating flooding in the state.

He, then, thanked the Governor for ensuring that various holding centers in the state are liveable, for improving the sanitary condition of these camps, securing the camps and its environment, as well as provision of food and other amenities.

Presenting the items to Anambra State Government at the SEMA office in Awka, the Regional Manager, Welfare and Self-reliance, Charles Adebayo and Area Seventy member, Dr. Justice Otuonye both of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in their various speeches explained that it is the obligatory concern of the church to render service to humanity.

“All our care is what Jesus Christ would have done if he was to be here, to see to the welfare of his friends, children and people.”

The duo commended the developmental strides of Gov. Soludo. According to them, the church understands the situation of those affected by the flood, thus have found it necessary through the church emergency response programme to cater for its members as well as non-members.

Highlight of the event featured the presentation of these donated items; Rice, Beans, Garri, Red oil, Cartons of Milk, Bournvita, Sugar, Noodles, Soaps, Detergents, Sanitary Pads, Mosquito Nets, others worth N250,000,000 to the state government.

*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State

ANAMBRA INVESTMENT SUMMIT: GOV SOLUDO CHARGES INVESTORS ON VALUE PROPOSITION

By Adaobi Nsofor :

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has charged investors willing to invest in the state to see themselves as partners in development.

Governor Soludo made the charge during the second edition of Anambra Investment Summit organised by Anambra State Investment, Promotion and Protection Agency(ANSIPPA) at the International Conference Center, Awka.

The summit, whose theme centered on Changing Gears: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation is geared towards turning Anambra from being a departure land to a destination hub.
Governor Soludo noted that the state is much more than ready for investment and the fundamentals are very strong.

“It’s an investment like no other, we are asking people to invest in Anambra not to do us a favour but in their own self interest.
It is not by accident that Anambra is rated no1 in the ease of doing business as we are presenting you with bankable projects that comes with value proposition”, he said.

Governor Soludo mentioned that the state has a 23 hectares of land where the new government house is being built and is 90 percent completion.
According to him, his administration is breaking the 33 year old jinx by giving ndi Anambra a befitting government house and governor’s lodge which would be completed in few weeks to come.

In the solid mineral sector, Governor Soludo stated that a kaolin processing plant is being built and that would be commissioned, together with others in the next few months. He encouraged other partners to come and invest to create room for prosperity and development, as he tackles the security sector of the state seriously.

The Managing Director of ANSIPPA, Dr Mark Okoye in his speech noted that this year’s theme speaks to the collective resolve that we share to shift Anambra’s dream to high gear, moving from potential to performance and from aspiration to action. He emphasised that changing gears requires not just a momentum but a strategic focus on the future despite the challenges we face.

Dr Okoye highlighted that Governor Soludo and his team has shown an unwavering dedication to transform Anambra into a place of opportunity to a destination for investment, while the goal is to make Anambra a beacon of sustainable growth and economic development. He said that it is our collective duty to focus on long term planning and creation of a few more, that will ensure the sustainable growth of our economy, one that guarantees prosperity and transformation.

According to him, the Soludo administration is leading the charge in ensuring that projects are not made conceptualised but are investment ready, assuring that the foundation Governor Soludo laid today would be fully and deeply appreciated in future when the positive impact of his work would be felt by generations unborn.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Vitalis Obi who represented the President, Federal Republic of Nigeria stated that the summit is a vital part of our national pursuit of transformative and inductive economic growth across our states and regions.

President Tinubu emphasised that Anambra State stands out with outstanding example on what is achievable when vision, strategy and collective actions align to attain developments and growths. He said that the state has a rich history as a commercial hub in the center of technology and innovation in Nigeria.

While commending Governor Soludo for conceptualising and developing several groundbreaking projects in Anambra State, President Tinubu agrees that through this investment summit, the state will reaffirm its commitment to becoming a driving force in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

Panel of discussions, Goodwill messages from Kenyan High Commission, UNDP, ADB, AFEX Bank, Fidelity Bank, Minister, Regional Development among others and Signing and Sealing of MoUs from different companies with the state government formed the high point of the event.

Nsofor is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *

2ND ANAMBRA INVESTMENT SUMMIT: ASSEMBLY SPEAKER, UDEZE LAUDS GOVERNOR SOLUDO’s DEVELOPMENTAL STRIDES

By Chizoba Okeke :

The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Right.Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze has said that Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s training as a renowned Economist has benefited Anambra State greatly especially his prudent utilization of the state’s limited resources to achieve maximum result, evident in the overall development of the state as well as well-being of the people.

The speaker said this during the 2nd edition of the Anambra Investment Summit held at the International Conference Centre, Awka, describing the summit as presentation of Governor Soludo’s score card in two and half years in office, which he said, showcased giant strides in all sectors of the state economy.

He recounted massive road construction, employment of teachers and medical personnel, construction of key projects like the Ekwulobia flyover, new government house and lodge.

He went further noting the transformation of Okpoko into a mega city with roads and hospitals, prompt payment of worker’s salary with payment of minimum wage to workers and pensioners, as well as empowerment of over 13,000 (thirteen thousand) youths among others.

The speaker called on well meaning citizens especially industrialists to reflect on the theme of the summit “Changing Gear: Accelerating Anambra’s Economic Transformation” by partnering the state government in different ways through home investment in order to boost the state’s economic potentials.

Udeze enjoined the citizenry mainly business executives, manufacturers as well as all taxable adults to ensure prompt and appropriate payment of taxes and rates to improve the revenue profile of the state government to match Governor Soludo’s investment, economic and development drive in the state.