The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has emphasised his determination to put to use every Kobo paid as tax by Anambra people. Soludo said this at the grande finali of the Anambra State Internal Revenue Service (AIRS) School Tax Competition (ASTC) themed: “Increasing Tax Awareness in Tomorrow’s Leaders” held on Friday at the SSG Hall, Government House, Awka
Represented by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Soludo emphasised that as long as Anambra people pay their tax, all the money must be accounted for.
“We are already accounting for that. No student from nursery to SS 3 is paying school fees in government schools in Anambra.
“Under two years and eight months, we have employed 8, 115 teachers and none of them is going home with less than ₦70,000 every month. Where do you think we are getting the money from? It is from the tax.”
The governor also mentioned other numerous ongoing projects of his administration that are funded by tax paid by Ndi Anambra.
“At Kwata junction, we are building a brand new Solution Funcity where people will go to relax after a day’s work. Look at what tax payers money is doing at the new government house and governor’s lodge at Aroma. And before our third anniversary in March 2025, we will move from Amawbia to the proper governor’s lodge,” he said.
Soludo also mentioned numerous road projects all over the state that are being constructed with tax payers money and urged every Anambra person to pay their tax.
Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman/Chief Executive of AIRS, Mr Gregory Ezeilo, said that with the speed Gov. Soludo is embarking on massive infrastructure development, the Anambra Taiwan agenda was already a completed deadline.
“At AIRS, we realised this fact that it is an agenda with a completed deadline right before the time. So we also tried to be more disruptive in our innovative processes to be there when the agenda is already completed.
“So just as the governor told me to fire from all cylinders, we are firing from grassroot development cylinder and today we have leaders of tomorrow with tax consciousness,” Ezeilo said.
The Chairman praised the students for the way and composure they detailed their points in their presentations and expressed hope that what they know about tax will become indelible in their hearts.
The Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Mrs Amara Oyeka, who organised the competition said that the idea was to encourage the private schools to pay their tax.
According to the Chief Judge of the competition, Dr Ifeoma Obieri, out of the 12 private schools that participated in the competition, only three made it to the final.
She said that Lady Hannah International School, Awada won the competition. While the second position went to Grace Court International School, Awka and Marist Comprehensive College came third.
Also in attendance at the occasion was the Managing Director of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Mr Chris Molokwu
*Daniel is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
Anambra State Commissioner for Works, Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma has bagged the Pechilly Investigative Media Award as the Best Working Commissioner of the Year 2024.
Presenting the award to him in his office, the representative of the media organization, Amb. Karen James noted that the board of Pechilly Investigative Media Ltd, after a careful selection process, chosed Mr. Ifeanyi Okoma based on his track record of service to the state.
She said that the organization works in corroboration with World Peace Advocacy and they celebrate those who tirelessly investigate, report and promote initiative that inspire dialogue across culture and thereby creating a more peaceful world.
In his acceptance speech, the commissioner thanked the Media Organization for finding him worthy of the award. He said that the credit should be given to Gov. Charles Chukwuma Soludo who is working tirelessly to uplift the infrastructural face of the state.
Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Principal, Comprehensive Science and Technical College, Nawfia Venerable Dr. Nnamdi Emendu has commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for augumenting the salaries of civil servants in the state to cushion the effects of the harsh economic realities in Nigeria.
Venerable Emendu in a press statement in Nawfia, acknowledged the gesture as a relative relief strategy that needs to be reviewed upwards to properly take home civil servants who have multifarious challenges facing them in the challenging nation’s economy.
Expressing delight that the Soludo administration appreciates the contributions of the state work force in the administration of the state, he urged that such efforts be motivated by a further push in their take home pay.
Venerable Emendu further spoke of the College’s zero tolerance to examination malpractices and cultism, and its compliance with the state government’s approved use of Igbo language for communications and the wearing of Igbo cultural attire during school hours on Wednesdays in all approved government schools in the state.
He confirmed that Comprehensive Science Students do come to school on Wednesdays in their traditional Igbo attire except for some new intakes in the school who have taken delivery of their traditional attire waiting for it to be sewed after which they will join their colleagues in wearing it to school on the approved days.
Venerable Emendu used the forum to appreciate the Proprietor of the College and the Archbishop of the Niger Province and the Anglican bishop of Awka diocese Most Reverend Dr. Alexander Ibezim for his zero tolerance to cultism, examination malpractices, gay practices and other vices in the college and in all the Anglican mission schools in the Province.
He lauded his Grace’s fatherly overseeing of the activities of the college and wished him well in his endeavors.
Anambra State Police Command has confirmed that the shooting incident which happened at Izuchukwu junction, Nnobi/Nnewi Road by 7 pm on Wednesday November 20 was not carried out by non-state actors and also not about Senator Ifeanyi Uba’s burial.
A statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga explained that security operatives mistook police personnel for unfriendly forces, leading to the exchange of gunfire.
According to him, “preliminary investigations reveal that the security operatives were trailing a suspect when the gun duel ensued at a security checkpoint.
“Unfortunately, bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Venza Sedan carrying the men, and it was razed down. Two innocent passers-by were injured and taken to hospital.”
Ikenga further emphasized that the incident was not carried out by non-state actors, assuring the public that the situation is under control and that the attack was not an attempt to disrupt the burial ceremonies of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah.
To ensure peace and security during the burial ceremonies, joint security forces have been deployed to Nnewi and the public is urged to remain calm and allow investigations into the incident to proceed.
Kalu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) Nnewi, hosted a capacity-building session for Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Onitsha North LGA.
The event, held under the Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK II) Project, aimed to empower stakeholders in healthcare delivery and strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Benedict Chima Okolo, Director of JDPC Nnewi, emphasized the importance of the workshop in enhancing public accountability and health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
The initiative, supported by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) and implemented in collaboration with the Community Empowerment Network (COMEN) and Civil Rights Concerns (CRC), seeks to address critical challenges in healthcare delivery.
Rev. Fr. Okolo acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), highlighting their contributions to improving health service delivery.
He stressed the pivotal role of WDC members and PHC officers in managing and ensuring transparency in the utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s health financing reform aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem delivered her goodwill message, highlighting their commitment to collaborate in strengthening maternal and child healthcare.
The training, which was conducted by the resource person Dr Ngozi, addressed public finance management, budget tracking, and immunization advocacy.
Interactive activities, including Question & Answer sessions, group discussions, and action plan development, encouraged participants to collaborate on practical solutions for system inefficiencies.
The training concluded with the distribution of post-test evaluations and a call to action for participants to leverage their roles in fostering accountability, trust, and improved healthcare delivery in their communities.
With this initiative, JDPC and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to making Anambra State a model for primary healthcare excellence through collaboration, capacity building, and community ownership.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has reassured commitment in improving the quality of education in the state, aimed at putting Anambra educational system among the world best.
The Governor stated this while receiving members of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Tetfund and other services at the State Government House, Awka.
Gov. Soludo represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezimpeaking, noted that Anambra over the years has been accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) and it is being prudently put into good use.
According to him, Anambra is good in management of resources, every kobo given to the state is well accounted and judiciously utilized.
As part of his developmental achievements, especially in the area of education, the governor listed the introduction of free education among pupils and students in the state schools, employment of over 8,000 teachers, reconstruction of numerous schools’ facilities and others.
He commended President Tinubu and the leadership of the Federal House of Representatives for their intervention, while seeking for more funding through the Tetfund agency.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, explained that the team is on a working visit to ascertain the level of accessing the tetfund intervention fund for the years under review (2020-2023).
She promised that the committee will avail its expertise with the stakeholders to ensure timely release of any outstanding and that of 2025 intervention fund, stressing that delay in approval and allocation of the fund can cause reduction in value due to inflation surge in the economy.
Also, in their separate interviews, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma- Udeh and the Vice Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha both described the visit as timely, saying that the education sector of the state is blooming with the recent introduction of free education that has brought education to the doorsteps of Ndi Anambra.
According to them, interventions such as Tetfund has contributed to development by providing conducive learning environment for pupils and students, as well as promoting research and development of staff at the tertiary level.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
A bill seeking to authorize the sum of ₦606,991,849,118.16 for the services of the Anambra State Government for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, has passed its second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The bill was debated extensively during today’s plenary session, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
Speaking on the importance of the bill, the majority leader described it as a critical step toward achieving the goals of the state’s Gear 2.0 agenda.
He emphasized that the bill’s swift passage would enable the timely commencement of developmental projects and government programmes from January 1, 2025.
In their contributions, member representing Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke, member representing Orumba South Constituency, Engr Emma Nwafor and Barr. Obi Nweke representing Anambra East Constituency, commended the governor’s draft estimate and highlighted its alignment with the state’s vision and commitment to improving the welfare of Ndi Anambra.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further scrutiny, and urged the committee to expedite its report to facilitate the bill’s timely passage.
The second reading was unanimously supported by the lawmakers through voice vote.
*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The administration of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo since inception, two years ago, has been marked by an unwavering commitment towards providing infrastructural development like water, housing, hospitals and road networks across the state, with a vision to enhance governance and improve lives of the people.
Governor Soludo’s administration has also recorded some strategic landmark achievements through the Ministry of Housing, as some projects like the abandoned government house and lodge, in Awka, which has been neglected for long. The state lacked basic infrastructural edifices befitting its status, having produced in the past, leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, among others.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on assumption of office, took a bold step by initiating and awarding numerous projects despite the lean resources. He has embarked on upgrading/remodeling of Anambra State Legislative Complex, Awka; renovation and furnishing of four offices for the Hon. Justice of the Court of Appeal in Awka; reconstruction of Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square into an international event center, and the fencing of the Ultra Modern Skill Acquisition Correctional Center at Onitsha . Others include renovation work and maintainance at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, and reconstruction of Fire Service Station in Agulu, Anaocha LGA .
The governor has also completed the remodeling of roof structure at Nigeria Correctional Center , Ekwulobia, in Aguata LGA, with four security houses and fuel dump at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, with renovation work at Post Primary Schools Service Commission, among others
Other projects still on-going include the construction of 17 unit duplex, boy’s quarter, fencing/ landscaping with ancillary facilities for proposed modernization of Commissioner’s Quarters in Awka.
Strategically, this administration has revitalized some hospitals and schools for improved service delivery at the three Senatorial Zones – Ekwulobia in the South , Enugwu Ukwu in the Central and Umueri in the North, to serve as referral centers in the South East region, with the construction of Security Based Camp at Isuofia, Aguata LGA, to beef up security in that zone. Others are the rehabilitation of Ugborimili Primary School,Fegge Onitsha , construction of 1&2 storey building for offices, exam halls and science laboratories at the Urban Boys Secondary School, Fegge Onitsha, which is a watershed achievement of the Solution Government.
The critical need for people to access quality healthcare has pushed the Soludo administration to quickly embark on construction of six new general hospitals in the state. These hospitals, located across the state at Okpoko in Ogbaru LGA, Oroma Etti in Anambra West LGA , Enugu Otu Aguleri General Hospital, in Anambra East LGA, with the Specialist Hospital, Fegge, in Onitsha South LGA, as well as Anaku General Hospital in Ayamelum LGA, when completed, will serve as key healthcare centers for the growing populace in the rural areas of the state.
Before now, these hospitals were with out adequate equipment, with some dilapidated structures and insufficient medical personnel. But today, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has recruited over 300 medical doctors and nurses into the state government hospitals for improved medical services to the people.
Consequently, on entertainment, the Governor is upgrading the Igboukwu Museum in Aguata LGA, while work is at advanced level at the Fun City and Neighborhood Entertainment/Recreational Center in Awka, with the fencing of Safari Park in Anaocha LGA. Meanwhile, proposal has been sent for possible upgrading of Iyiagu and Real Housing Estate for civil servants and Anambra State Secretariat Annex in Awka.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has done more than just physical structures. He rather injected economic transformation, which definitely will attract both local and international investments that will boost the state’s economic potentials into becoming the Dubai and Taiwan of Africa.
In the long run, these initiatives will also enhance the quality of lives of the people of Anambra State, cementing Governor Soludo’s legacy as a leader who prioritise institutional development, health , entertainment and governance for the common good of all.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s infrastructural and institutional development reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of good governance, with economic growth . These projects will undoubtedly, redefine the landscape of the state, positioning it as a beacon of progress and development in Nigeria, thereby making Anambra State the center of logistics and the Dubai, Taiwan of the country
Worthy of mention are the stallion efforts of the Solution Commissioner, Ministry of Housing, Hon Pauly Onyeka, and his Solution Team, whose expertise and architectural prowess facilitated the success witnessed in housing and infrastructure sector of the Soludo administration.
Ekweaga is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Traders/transporters have extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo for bringing solution to traffic problems within Ekwulobia Roundabout as flyover construction hits 95 percent completion.
They made their position public while exchanging views with information officers, who visited the site, on November 21.
The interviewed, Mrs Oluebube Ezenwankwo of New Spring Plaza said, “The pains of demolition of business structures to accommodate construction of this flyover has turned into gain.
“I personally lost my shop during the buildup of the demolition. I packed into an inner shop which was demolished again.It was indeed painful, economic setback, yet joyous, hence without demolition there will be no expansion.
“I must commend Soludo. He did not stop at demolition but went on to construct. The project is about being delivered, which is indeed solution to traffic congestion within Ekwulobia environs. We will no longer waste economic time at the traffic.
“Driving from here to Awka maybe achieved in 30 minutes but if 5 hours are spent on a traffic holdup, the economic wastages becomes enormous.”
Mrs Ezenwankwo added that Soludo has worked himself into 2nd tenure victory, unnecessary critics to blur this obvious fact will only tantamount to noise making, as light cannot be hidden.
The story of Mrs Ezenwankwo is not different from Mr Uchechukwu Chimelum, neither did it differ from that of a cyclist, Mr Timothy Emegharibe and his counterpart Mr Frank Ogbu.
They enjoined individuals who are suffering pains of demolition, as road dualization continues in Anambra State, to bear with Soludo, as it is in the interest of all.
*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
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
