CHRISTIAN ABURIME
The International Convention Center (ICC), Awka, hosted Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, and other Clergymen who led the people of Anambra in a high-profile interdenominational thanksgiving service.
The event, themed “Leading with Wisdom and Integrity,” served as a formal thanksgiving service to mark the Governor’s first four-year of successful service to the people of Anambra State and the renewal of mandate for a second term which officially commences after his and the Deputy inauguration on March 17, 2026.
Addressing the capacity crowd of clergy, traditional rulers, and citizens, Governor Soludo delivered an emotional reflection on his first four years in office. He attributed his successes to divine guidance and the overwhelming support of the electorate, who returned him to office with 73 percent of the total votes cast.
“Every day, I have been making a simple prayer: ‘Lord, You have blessed me; if it is Your will, use me as an instrument to work for the State.’ Eventually, His will was done,” Soludo stated.
He urged Ndi Anambra to remain “responsible and responsive citizens” as the state enters a new chapter, reiterating his vision of building a “New Anambra” that is not dominated by “oke ite”, “eze nwanyị,” or drug barons, but by hardwork, merit and character.
A central pillar of the Governor’s address was the unity of faith. Highlighting his recent participation in Iftar with the Muslim community a day earlier and the day’s interdenominational service, Governor Soludo stressed that the “Body of Christ is one.”
“We cannot develop Anambra or any society by seeing people by their color or the way they worship,” the Governor noted. “We should look at them by the measure of value they bring. In the next four years, this same principle will drive us because we are all children created in the image of God.”
The service featured powerful exhortations from prominent Christian leaders who reflected on the burdens and blessings of leadership. On Divine Guidance (The Most Revd. Alexander Ibezim): The Archbishop of the Niger, the Most Revd Alexander Ibezim highlighted that leadership is inextricably linked to the welfare of the people and requires the “Solomonic” gift of divine wisdom. He acknowledged the administration’s hurdles in security, infrastructure, and economic opportunities, noting that integrity and consistency are the ultimate protectors of any leader, especially in difficult times.
Describing Governor Soludo as a “nation-minded Governor,” the PFN National President, Bishop Wale Oke, lauded the decision to begin and end the term with praise. “When we are praising God, He takes over the battle, unlike when we are praying or fasting where we lead the battle,” the Bishop remarked, emphasizing that thanksgiving is a strategic weapon for victory.
As the state prepares for the official oath-taking ceremony this Tuesday, the atmosphere in Anambra is lively and full of praises to God Almighty following the outstanding performances of the Soludo administration.