Governor Soludo Urges Ndi Anambra in Lagos to Invest in the Homeland, Presents Bold Vision for a Greater State

 

In a passionate call to action, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has urged indigenes of the state residing outside its borders to actively participate in the transformation of Anambra by investing in its economy and fulfilling their tax obligations to the state.

Governor Soludo made this appeal during a town hall meeting held at Victoria Island, Lagos, where he met with Ndi Anambra living in the bustling commercial city. The event, which drew a significant number of Anambra citizens, served as a platform for the Governor to present a comprehensive report of his three-year performance in office and share his vision for the state’s future.

Acknowledging the reality that nearly half of Anambra’s indigenous population live outside the state—many of whom have made major economic strides in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria—Soludo emphasized that the development of the homeland rests not just on government policies, but on the collective effort of its people, no matter where they reside.

“Anambra is our home, and its progress is a responsibility we all share,” the Governor said. “Yes, I am building a place I would love to retire to. But more than that, I am building a state that every Anambra son and daughter would be proud to call home—a place that is livable, secure, and prosperous.”

Soludo painted a clear picture of the potential Anambra holds, citing his administration's strides in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic reform. He spoke with the confidence of a leader who understands the weight of his mission and the need for communal backing to realize it fully.

“We’re not asking for charity. What we need is commitment. We need you to invest in your own future by investing in Anambra. We need you to pay your personal income tax to Anambra. That money will help build the roads you’ll drive on when you visit. It will fund the schools your nieces and nephews will attend. It will help sustain the hospitals that your aged parents might rely on,” Soludo stated.

He went further to challenge Ndi Anambra in Lagos and beyond to think beyond sentimental attachment to their ancestral homes and approach the idea of homeland development with strategic, long-term thinking. “You can't just come home during Christmas and New Year, complain about bad roads or poor services, and then go back to Lagos or Abuja without contributing to change the situation. Development doesn’t happen by magic—it is driven by people who believe enough to give.”

The Governor’s message struck a chord with many in attendance, especially as he laid bare his long-term development agenda and his administration’s vision for a modern, inclusive, and resilient Anambra. From urban regeneration plans to rural infrastructure, job creation, and digital innovation, Soludo showcased a leadership style focused not only on policy but on partnerships—with citizens, businesses, and the global Igbo community.

“We have a unique opportunity to set Anambra on an irreversible path to greatness,” he said. “We need our best brains, our boldest entrepreneurs, and our most committed citizens to join hands. Let us create the kind of Anambra that makes our children proud, and gives us the peace of mind to return and retire in dignity.”

The town hall meeting was not just a political gathering, but a heartfelt call for diasporic engagement, a reminder that progress must be rooted in unity and shared vision. Governor Soludo’s remarks were a blend of vision and realism—acknowledging the challenges, but focusing firmly on the possibilities.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the Governor was not simply rallying for support—he was sowing the seeds for a broader movement to reconnect Ndi Anambra to their roots in ways that are practical, economic, and enduring.

In a time when many states are grappling with dwindling revenues and strained infrastructures, Soludo’s approach of inclusive development through diaspora collaboration could set a compelling precedent—if matched by equal resolve from the people he has called to action.