From Awka to London: Governor Soludo Champions Accountability, Seeks Diaspora Partnership for Anambra’s Growth [VIDEO]

 

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has taken his message of accountability, transparency, and inclusive governance far beyond the borders of Nigeria. Marking a significant milestone in his three-year journey as governor, Soludo recently concluded a Diaspora engagement tour, with the grand finale unfolding during a vibrant town hall meeting in London on Easter Monday.

The event, which brought together Anambra indigenes residing in the United Kingdom, was a reflection of the governor’s strategic outreach model—one rooted in fiscal discipline and participatory development. Speaking candidly to professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, Soludo shared insights into his administration’s progress, emphasizing his commitment to a government that listens, learns, and leads with responsibility.

According to a statement by Christian Aburime, Press Secretary to the Governor, this London town hall was not an isolated event. It formed the final leg of a well-orchestrated campaign that had previously energized audiences in Lagos and Abuja. Each stop along the way served as a platform for direct engagement with Ndi Anambra, a group the governor consistently acknowledges as his primary employers.

Bringing the conversation to the global stage, Soludo offered more than a report card—he presented a vision. At a time when many sub-national governments in Nigeria are grappling with growing debt burdens, the Anambra State government under Soludo’s leadership has notably refrained from resorting to international loans, including those from the World Bank. This approach to prudent financial management, as Soludo told the London audience, is central to his administration’s philosophy of sustainability over short-term gains.

The gathering was more than a political ritual. It was a space for dialogue. Attendees did not merely listen; they interrogated policies, probed decisions, and received unfiltered responses from the governor. This level of spontaneous interaction, Aburime noted, highlighted the administration’s readiness to be held accountable—not just at home but also by those in the Diaspora whose voices and contributions remain vital to the state’s trajectory.

By reaching out directly to Anambra’s global citizens, the governor is not just maintaining lines of communication—he’s actively encouraging collaboration. The emphasis on tapping into the intellectual capital and investment potential of Anambra indigenes abroad underscores a development model built on inclusion. Soludo’s message was clear: the progress of Anambra is a collective mission, and every Anambra son and daughter has a stake in its realization.

The meeting also reinforced the governor’s broader objective of dismantling entrenched governance models that foster dependency. Rather than seeing development as a product dispensed by a benevolent government, Soludo is advocating for a paradigm shift—one where progress is co-created through shared ownership and active participation.

This strategic shift is reflected in his administration’s pursuit of a “smart megacity” agenda. By aligning infrastructure development with smart urban planning and digital innovation, Soludo aims to transform Anambra into a beacon of modernity and economic vitality. Engaging Diaspora communities plays a crucial role in this journey, not only for the technical expertise and funding they can offer but also for the fresh perspectives they bring.

Aburime emphasized that these ongoing engagements are not one-off initiatives but part of a broader governance strategy. From Awka, the state’s capital, to economic and political hubs like Lagos and Abuja, and now across international waters, the governor’s actions demonstrate a nuanced understanding of stakeholder engagement. This inclusive approach, he added, sets a new standard in sub-national leadership across Nigeria.

Looking ahead, the governor appears poised for a strong re-election bid, bolstered by what his administration touts as a solid track record of performance. Yet beyond political calculations, the enduring legacy of these Diaspora dialogues could lie in how they reshape civic expectations and redefine the citizen-government relationship.

As Anambra continues its journey under the banner of “One State, One People, One Agenda,” the path Soludo is carving—anchored on accountability, disciplined governance, and inclusive development—may well serve as a model for others seeking to turn vision into reality.