Embrace cosmopolitan status, Soludo urges Anambra residents

Anambra Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has called on the people of Awka to embrace their status as a 21st-century cosmopolitan city.

He declared that his administration is “very intentional” about making the state capital a premier destination.

Speaking during a high-level meeting Saturday with members of the Ozo Awka Society, led by Ozo Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, the Governor emphasised that Awka holds a special place in his heart and the state’s developmental agenda.

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Governor Soludo highlighted his administration’s commitment to infrastructure, noting that he has broken a 34-year “jinx” by constructing a befitting Government House and Lodge.

“I am the governor that decided to make Awka a true state capital in the real sense of it,” Soludo said.

“When I campaigned, I promised to live in Awka, and today you are within the Light House, which consists of 57 buildings. We build the Solution Fun City because we want Awka to be a destination.”

The Governor did not shy away from the long-standing traditional leadership tussle and town union crises that have plagued the community.

He revealed that despite having the “easy choice” to ignore the chaos, he felt a duty to intervene.

Addressing the controversy surrounding Chief Austine Ndigwe, whom the Governor described as a “friend,” he was firm on the rule of law, noting that the state’s Commission of Enquiry found that Obi Gibson Nwosu was never dethroned, and Ndigwe was never legally enthroned.

“According to the state traditional rulers law, if you parade as a second traditional ruler in a community, you go to jail,” Soludo warned.

He noted that the crisis, which allegedly stemmed from burial rites and zoning disputes, had become “egocentric.”

He pointed out that the community’s constitution stipulates that it is the turn of Nkwelle village to produce the next ruler according to zoning, but the process was disregarded.

Soludo challenged the Ozo titleholders—who, re traditionally, are known for speaking the truth- to show leadership.

While dñrawing parallels to his success in resolving a 20-year crisis in his hometown of Isuofia, he urged Awka’s professionals and stakeholders to project the city positively.

The Governor further urged Awka people to build a grand central palace for the Eze Uzu Awka, similar to those in Onitsha or Ile Ife, pledging that the state government would contribute to its construction, aiming for completion within a year.

With the Traditional Imo Awka festival approaching, the Governor noted the need for a unified date but clarified that the event scheduled for the 23rd May, 2026, cannot be held due to a conflicting statewide event that equally requires security presence.

“Government will bring law and order, but Awka people will bring lasting peace,” he remarked.

The Governor urged the “giant” of Awka to be awake even as he l lamented that despite its immense potential, the city has been “punching below its weight.”

“My only interest is for the betterment of Anambra and for Awka to regain its lost glory. The duty of leadership is to do the uncomfortable thing, sometimes even to save the people from themselves,” he said.

Sir Chukwujekwu Eze, who spoke on behalf of the Society, assured that they would go home, consult widely and take necessary actions, especially as it relates to the change of date for the Traditional festival, after which, they would communicate with the state government in writing.