By Charles Igwe
Anambra State came to a standstill as Governor Chukwuma Soludo marked his third anniversary in office with a Pontifical Thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Awka. The Mass was presided over by His Eminence, Peter Cardinal Okpalaeke, alongside co-officiating bishops—Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor (Awka Diocese), Most Rev. Jonas Benson (Nnewi Diocese), and Most Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah (Sokoto Diocese). The Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, was also represented by Rev. Fr. George Adimike. Over a hundred priests were also in attendance.
Delivering the homily, Bishop Kukah praised Governor Soludo’s administration for its significant strides in education, healthcare, industrialization, and other key sectors, positioning Anambra as a model for other states in Nigeria. He urged the governor to remain focused, compete only with himself, and acknowledge those who contributed to his journey. Commending his efforts in consolidating the work of his predecessors, the bishop encouraged him to sustain his momentum.
Bishop Kukah also condemned the activities of Boko Haram, describing them as a major threat to national progress, particularly in the education sector. He called on the federal government to draw lessons from Anambra’s development blueprint under Soludo’s leadership to restore Nigeria’s global standing.
In his address, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Anambra into the Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley of Africa. He emphasized that his administration’s core agenda remains centered on human and material capital development, uniting the state under a shared vision. Reflecting on his tenure so far, he described the journey as “so far, so good” and called on residents to align with his developmental vision.
Dignitaries at the event delivered goodwill messages, expressing confidence in Soludo’s leadership. Dr. Paschal Agbodike, representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, lauded the governor’s achievements and urged citizens to support his re-election. He described Anambra as being on the path to greatness under Soludo’s stewardship.
Similarly, Chief Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, Chairman of Ohaneze Ndigbo in Anambra, commended the governor for driving progress across all sectors and encouraged voters to ensure his continuity in office. The Chairman of the State Civil Service Commission, Mr. Anthony Ezenwaka, echoed this sentiment, calling for unwavering support for the administration.
Sir Cyril Anetoh, a COREN Inspector and President General of Adazi Nnukwu, highlighted the governor’s inclusive governance, which has given all 21 local government areas a sense of belonging. He urged the electorate to back Soludo for a second term. Chief Sylva Ezeabasilim, a two-time Chairman of Idemili South LGA, also acknowledged the administration’s notable achievements within three years.
Among the distinguished attendees were the governor’s wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo; Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachi Ibezim; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solomon Chukwulobelu; Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor; Acting Vice-Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof. Joseph Ikechebelu; industrialist Chief Emeka Offor; Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka; as well as traditional rulers Igwe Benjamin Okeji (Omasi) and Igwe Fredrick Okoli (Ndiokpalaeze), among others.
