As Anambra gears up for the November 8 governorship election, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has expressed confidence that the people of the state will return Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for a second term. In this interview, the National Publicity Secretary of APGA and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, outlines why the party believes the coming poll will be a “win-win” for Ndi Anambra and the Solution Movement.
Q: As the National Publicity Secretary of APGA, how do you assess the chances of Governor Charles Soludo’s re-election bid, given the current political climate in Anambra State?
A: Anambra is APGA land. Governor Soludo has done exceedingly well in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and human capital development. So far, he has awarded contracts for over 900 kilometres going to 1000. And over 600 kilometres of the roads have been completed and alshpated. He has built 5 brand new hospitals across the northern senatorial district of Anambra state, while he has refurbished hospitals in Enugu Ukwu,Umueri and Ekwulobia. The governor has also instituted compulsory free antenatal and delivery care for pregnant women. He has done more with less, through prudent management of resources. That is why we say November 8 will be a win-win situation for Ndi Anambra and the Solution government.
Q: What makes APGA confident that the people of Anambra will return Governor Soludo for a second term?
A: The record of achievements is visible. From urban renewal projects to education reforms and healthcare delivery, the impact is being felt across the state. The people see and appreciate these results, and continuity is the only logical choice. The free education policy of the Soludo administration is mind blowing as primary and secondary schools in the state now have free and compulsory education across board. The Anambra Light House. A project that has been abandoned for over 34 years was restored and completed, which the commissioning was done by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his state visit to Anambra.
Q: Governor Soludo has emphasized urban regeneration as a cornerstone of his administration. Can you shed light on the specific infrastructural projects currently transforming the state?
A: The Soludo administration has awarded over 900 kilometres. Out of this 600 kilometres have been alshpated. The solution park and market in Ekwulobia has brought back sanity to the environment as commuters now travel with ease without any encumbrance. With over 500 stalls for traders who were evacuted from the then busy Ekwulobia roundabout. "We have also embarked on a comprehensive urban regeneration master plan across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia. The light rail master plan has been concluded and is waiting for implementation,"
Q: How is APGA communicating the impact of these urban regeneration efforts to grassroots voters?
A: Everywhere you go, you see the activities—new roads, improved markets, modern transport systems. The people themselves are the testimony. We don’t just speak; we show results. The Soludo administration has also employed over 1500 health workers including, doctors and nurses and has renovated and equipped 130 out of the 326 primary healthcare facilities in the state. The 326 primary healthcare centers have all gotten solar systems to power their facilities, while the rest is been awaited to complete the balance with solar and equipment as well.
Q: Beyond roads and physical structures, how is urban regeneration improving the quality of life for residents?
A: Automated revenue collection has eliminated touts (agbero) from markets and motor parks. Modern commuter buses fitted with air-conditioning and CCTV, with a pilot project with Olink in Awka which is easing transport challenges presently, and this willl eventually go round. Public water supply has returned after 24 years of scarcity. These are life-changing improvements. The solution Fun City and the country club is a development master plan that has put Anambra on the international tourism industry map. This is so because the Solution Fun City and Country Club has become a rallying point for Ndi Anambra, especially fun seekers who go to rest and ease off stress from time to time, as everyday the place is filled to the brim with activities. This has helped curtail the challenge of going to other cities as Owerri, Asaba and Enugu to enjoy such facilties.
Q: What new policies or initiatives under Governor Soludo stand out as transformative for schools, teachers, and students?
A: Free education from primary to junior and senior secondary levels have been introduced. Over 8,000 teachers have been recruited, and schools are being revitalized to strengthen Anambra’s long-standing reputation in education. The governor is doing more, as many smart schools will take off this September.
Q: How does APGA plan to consolidate these gains?
A: By deepening the reforms and ensuring sustainability through the Anambra Vision 2070 framework. Education is the backbone of development, and Soludo is investing heavily in it. Whoever has come to Anambra in the last 2 years and now will definitely ascertain the work done so far, and they are all saying is that Solution must continue and that is the impetus we have, as such we will certainly repay the governor with a second term, as the reward foe good work is more work.
Q: What steps has Governor Soludo taken to strengthen Anambra’s health sector?
A: Five brand-new general hospitals have been built, 130 primary healthcare centres revitalised through equipping them with solar systems and hospital equipment, and local hospitals upgraded in EnuguUkwu, Umueri and Ekwulobia. We have also employed 1500 healthcare workers, with nurses and doctors included to strengthen rural coverage.
Q: How is the government ensuring that hospitals and health centres are adequately staffed and equipped?
A: Beyond building facilities, the administration has expanded recruitment and continues to supply modern equipment. With the employment of 1500 health workers. Free antenatal and delivery services have been rolled out to support mothers and infants. The healthcare system has received a boost in all the 326 primary healthcare centres across the state with 5 new brand general hospitals for public use.
Q: What is being done to modernize Anambra’s transport system?
A: The government has introduced modern commuter buses with CCTV and air-conditioning, a first in the state. Work is ongoing to finalise the urban transport master plan, with more innovations coming.
Q: Are there plans for mass transit or PPPs?
A: Yes, partnerships are already in place. The Olink pilot scheme has started one in Awka at the Unizik temporary site, and is at the moment running a test run. The routes go Awka to Onitsha, Onitsha to Nnewi. And the payment system is cashless, as the cowrie payment system is here now, just like what obtains in other climes, and by the time they have fully established the routes, they will go full scale across the state. Let me also inform Ndi Anambra for those that dont know that the Anambra light rail master plan has been concluded awaiting implementation. As the state government is looking at connecting the major cities in the state through railway and ultimately connected to the national rail system the federal government is linking to the south east. These are some of the plans the state government is putting in place to have an efficient and running transportation system. If you go to a place like Ekwulobia, you will he marvelled at how organised the Solution Park and Market has transformed the ease of doing business in the state. We now have a modern bus terminal in Ekwulobia, because the route is more like a transit town that connects Anambra to other parts of the south east. The best investment however is on road infrastructure because its a bedrock for improving the transportation system, which the governor has done effectively.
Q: How is the Soludo administration upgrading markets in the state.
A: Automated revenue collection has eliminated touts, ensuring traders operate in a safe and transparent environment. Infrastructure in markets is also being modernised to boost commerce. Anyone that asks you to pay cash is stealing from the government. Also with the ₦4.5 billion Ikenga Shopping Mall PPP project, which is part of wider economic modernization. More collaborations are underway.
Q: What role does APGA see markets playing in economic growth?
A: Markets are the lifeblood of Anambra’s economy. By upgrading them, we are creating jobs, expanding small businesses, and boosting internally generated revenue. This was dome through the one youth two skills programme which has empowered over 15,000 youths, with sustainable businesses, while through the Anambra Small Business Enterprise, many got loans ranging from 2.5m and above. This has helped to bloster trade and commerce in the state, under Prof Charles Soludo’s administration.
Q: What specific policies has Governor Soludo introduced to attract investors?
A: For capital to come into any place, the place must be liveable first. The enablers must be put in place, before investors can come in, and that is what the governor is doing in that direction. Soludo came prepared, guided by the Anambra Vision 2070—a 50-year development plan. Already, more than ₦4.5 billion has been attracted through PPPs, with the owners of market square piloting the development with more private capital flowing in. The government of Prof Charles Soludo has also ensured that the enablers which is the core essentials needed for any investment is been put in place, to ensure a level playing ground for investors and investments in the state.
Q: Can you highlight ongoing or upcoming partnerships?
A: The Ikenga Shopping Mall is a landmark PPP project. Others are underway in housing, technology, and agro-industrial development, all aimed at job creation and economic growth.
Q: If you were to summarize Governor Soludo’s re-election message in one sentence, what would it be?
A: The Solution must continue.
Q: What assurance can APGA give Ndi Anambra about sustaining progress?
A: Soludo came into office with a clear plan—Anambra Vision 2070—and he is executing it faithfully. As we say, “Akaro amata beans, akara a na esi”—it has not yet started, and people are already happy. Ndi Anambra can be assured that the best is yet to come. Soludo is one man I can tell you that his word is his bond. He is not governing Anambra by guess work, or by mere chance or happenstance. The Anambra Vision 2070 is a working document that projected where Anambra will be in the next 50 years, and he is laying the foundation for that master plan. As at today, if you look at the manifesto, you will check list on what has been done and what is left to do. Soludo believes not just in empowerment, but on sustainable empowerment, which enables the youth to thrive in their chosen business endeavours. With this, the sme value chain has become so robust that the economy is booming.