CHRISTIAN ABURIME
In a society like ours where local jaundiced politics often breeds cynicism and unfounded critiques, the international spotlight has a way of cutting through the noise like a blaze of truth. This week, as the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly got underway in New York, Anambra State’s Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, showed up not just as a participant but as a celebrated icon of African leadership.
Garnering triple honours, including the prestigious African Public Service Excellence Award, the African Governor of the Year Award, and a special commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives, Governor Soludo’s accolades come as an undeniable authentication of his purposeful governance.
For those back home in Nigeria who have chosen to peddle perfidious ratings and criticisms about Anambra under Governor Soludo, the latest global validation is telling the true story: Anambra is up there, rising and shining its light.
This is not just sabre rattling with wild claims. Let’s check out the sheer magnitude of these honours.
At the 2025 Global Power Forum, held on the sidelines of the UNGA, Governor Soludo was singled out for his exemplary public service and leadership. The African Public Service Excellence and Governor of the Year Awards are not handed out lightly to just anyone; they recognise individuals who have demonstrated unrelenting commitment to dynamic governance, economic innovation, and sustainable development.
Accordingly, Governor Soludo’s deserved recognition underscores his role in steering Anambra toward unprecedented progress, from infrastructure revamps to digital economy initiatives that are positioning Anambra state as a model for Africa.
And then there is the certificate of special recognition from the South Carolina House of Representatives, a rare nod from across the Atlantic that lauds his illustrious career trajectory: from a distinguished professor of economics, to economic adviser under President Obasanjo, to Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and now the helm of Anambra. The commendation explicitly praises his “pivotal role in elevating Nigeria to the status of an African financial powerhouse.” If that is not a stamp of approval from one of the world’s most influential democracies, what is?
What makes this moment even more elevating is the company Governor Soludo kept. The ceremony was a veritable who’s who of global leaders: former Tanzanian President Dr. Jakaya Kikwete, Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas, President Sylvanie Burton of Dominica, former Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Prime Minister Dr. Judith Suminwa Tuluka of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and African Development Bank Secretary-General Prof. Vincent O. Nmehielle, among others.
In such esteemed circles, Governor Soludo was not just an ordinary attendee; he was a keynote speaker at the Power Forum’s International Forum on Africa-Caribbean Leadership. His address, titled “Africa Unleashed: Navigating the Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities: the Anambra State Example,” positioned Anambra as a blueprint for continental resurgence.
Imagine that: a Nigerian state governor showcasing his home turf as a case study in resilience and innovation to an audience of presidents and prime ministers. Is this not the same exemplary Anambra State, which some dubious consulting outfits are rating low among Nigerian states?
Indeed, detractors have been relentless. We have heard the chorus of false narratives fixating on superficial hiccups rather than long-term, concrete developments. Some critics, perhaps driven by sponsored political agendas or myopic views, have painted Governor Soludo’s administration as underwhelming, ignoring the foundational reforms that are laying the groundwork for lasting prosperity.
But how do those local attacks hold up against international acclaim? They crumble as Governor Soludo’s tenure has seen Anambra embrace massive infrastructure transformation, solution-driven governance, strategic security, and nuanced economic rejuvenation anchored on uncommon, zero-borrowing Doing More with Less fiscal prudence.
These efforts echo his CBN legacy of stabilising Nigeria’s banking sector during turbulent times. And the world sees what some at home refuse to: a leader who navigates disruptions with the precision of an economist and the passion of a patriot.
However, the triple honour is more than personal glory for Governor Soludo; it puts Ndi Anambra in the limelight. It elevates the state’s profile, bound to attract potential investments and partnerships that could accelerate development. Anambra on the world stage? Absolutely. Anambra is truly on the rise? The world is taking notice!
In the end, history will remember leaders like Governor Soludo not by the volume of their critics but by the impact of their achievements. Ndi Anambra are far better off rallying behind a governor who is not just governing his state right but inspiring a continent and the world.