CHRISTIAN ABURIME
Just like that, a year of 365 days, 52 weeks has just completed its cycle. With its passage, many events, milestones and memories have been made. Indeed, the year 2025 will be etched in the history of Anambra State as a period of profound and intentional transformation, largely driven by the dynamic leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.
Far from being a regular administrator, Governor Soludo has proven to be a progressive, people-friendly, transformational governor whose policies have fundamentally reshaped the state and demonstrably improved the lives of Ndi Anambra across diverse sectors. His approach, well known as the Soludo Solution, is a masterclass in applying intellectual rigour and political will to the complex challenges of governance.
Governor Soludo’s leadership in 2025 was characterised by an uncompromising intentionality, moving beyond quick fixes to implement deep, structural reforms. This progressive mindset is best exemplified by his focus on human capital development, infrastructure, security, and economic transformation, among others.
Recognising that a state’s greatest asset is its people, the Soludo administration implemented free education from kindergarten to secondary public schools. In 2025, the free education policy was extended to cover all public primary and secondary schools (up to SS3), removing all previously hidden fees and levies. An additional 3,115 teachers were recruited between 2024 and 2025, adding to the initial 5,000, bringing the total number of newly recruited teachers to 8,115 to date in order to address staffing gaps in schools with competent and qualified teachers
The administration also initiated the transformation of 22 secondary schools into smart schools, with plans for more, to integrate technology and modernise learning environments. In addition, 60 secondary school laboratories were equipped with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) equipment. Laptop computers were distributed to principals and head-teachers.
The Solution Innovation District (SID) trained over 20,000 youths in digital skills through initiatives like the Code Anambra Programme. Entrepreneurship and Ethics were introduced into the primary and secondary school curriculum to foster innovative thinking and moral values.
The foregoing investments in education have resulted severally in Anambra State leading in national educational indices, even as Anambra students continue to win national competitions and awards for academic excellence.
It was the same positive story in the healthcare sector of the state in 2025. Anambra was recognised as the best-performing state in primary healthcare delivery in the Southeast and the overall best in Nigeria, receiving prize money of $1.2 million from partners including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF.
The free antenatal care and delivery services (including caesarean sections) for all pregnant women in public health facilities continued, with over 161,000 women benefiting and a near-zero maternal mortality rate reported in these cases.
Four out of five new general hospitals in local government areas that previously had none were completed and some were commissioned. The construction and modernisation of 326 primary healthcare centres across the state reached advanced stages, with the facilities being equipped with solar power, boreholes, and essential equipment. The Trauma Centre at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital was also completed.
Over 1,000 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and consultants, were recruited. And the state migrated to a digitalised healthcare system with the introduction of telemedicine for remote consultations. What’s more, the state government activated specialised units such as a mammography unit at General Hospital, Onitsha, a refurbished dialysis centre, and construction of an eye care centre.
In the area of economic empowerment in 2025, the One-Youth-Two-Skills Plus programme stands out. By providing digital training and grants to over 8,300 beneficiaries, the programme has successfully created thousands of young millionaires, breeding a new generation of entrepreneurs and reducing the state’s reliance on traditional employment. This is a clear demonstration of a people-friendly policy that directly addresses youth unemployment and wealth creation.
The physical transformation of Anambra State under Governor Soludo’s watch has been nothing short of remarkable in 2025. The governor’s commitment to infrastructure is quantified by the over 1,000 kilometres of roads under construction, with a significant portion of 700kms already completed, including the dualisation of major highways and construction of flyovers. Furthermore, the Zero Pothole Programme has rehabilitated over 700 km of existing roads, drastically improving connectivity and commerce.
Perhaps, the most symbolic achievement of Governor Soludo’s urban renewal agenda is the transformation of the infamous Okpoko slum in Onitsha. What was once a symbol of urban decay has been converted into a modern haven, complete with asphalted roads, a general hospital, streetlights, and pipe-borne water. This project is a beautiful proof of the governor’s commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that the benefits of governance reach the most marginalised communities.
A stable and secure environment is the bedrock of economic progress, and Governor Soludo’s administration tackled the security challenges head-on. The deployment of the state security system, Agunechemba, and the success of Operation Udo Ga-Achi (Peace Shall Reign) have been instrumental in curtailing criminality. Through a combination of kinetic force and a non-kinetic amnesty programme, communities like Ihiala, which were previously under siege, have been liberated, allowing residents and churches to return. In fact, the year’s Christmas was celebrated without any incident of insecurity anywhere in the whole state.
Anambra is now widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s safest states, a crucial factor for attracting investment.The global community has also recognised Governor Soludo’s exceptional performance. In September 2025, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80), Governor Soludo clinched a ‘Triple Crown’ of international honours, including the African Governor of the Year Award and the African Public Service Excellence Award. This international endorsement validates his Solution Agenda and reinforces his reputation as a global voice on progressive governance.
Among several other milestones, it was in the same 2025 that the newly completed Government House complex, aptly named Light House, and the Solution Fun City were commissioned in grand style by no other personality than the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. Within the Solution Fun City facility, Governor Soludo also personally commissioned the exquisite Anambra Country Club. And to cap a spectacularly eventful year, the Anambra State Government powered ‘Onwa Dezemba’, an extravaganza of festive activities that have serenaded Ndi Anambra all through the Christmas/New Year season.
The ultimate validation of Governor Soludo’s people-friendly policies came in November 2025, when he secured a landslide re-election victory, winning all 21 local government areas. This unprecedented show of solidarity was an unprecedented, resounding vote of confidence from Ndi Anambra, who have directly experienced the positive transformation in their lives.
In all, although there were a few security challenges and controversies, Governor Soludo’s 2025 tenure was a resonant demonstration of what intentional, progressive, and people-friendly leadership can achieve. From revitalising education, healthcare and empowering youth, to building roads, administrative and tourism infrastructure, transforming slums and securing the state, his policies have reinforced a solid foundation for a prosperous future, truly transforming Anambra State and the lives of Ndi Anambra for the better. Definitely, a much happier New Year is what Governor Soludo is taking Anambra to in 2026!