The Soludo Magic: Anambra Is Rising Because Solution Is Here
Jerry Adesewo
Three years into the administration of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State is wearing a new look — one paved with asphalt, illuminated by solar-powered lights, and fortified by a visionary governance model. At the heart of this transformation is what many now call The Soludo Magic — a sweeping infrastructure revolution that is reshaping not only the landscape of the state, but also its trajectory of development.
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In an interview with OurNigeria News Magazine, the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, painted a compelling picture of an Anambra on the rise. Appointed just seven months ago, Mefor — a seasoned public affairs analyst and media figure — offered insights into what is fast becoming a textbook case of transformational governance.
746 Kilometers of Roads, Built to Last
“Governor Soludo is not just building roads — he is building roads that last,” Mefor began. “Using adaptive reconstruction technology, these roads are guaranteed to serve for at least 20 years.”
So far, over 746 kilometers of roads have been awarded, and 462 kilometers completed, with leading construction firms mobilized across all 21 local government areas. These are not basic roads. They come with full drainage systems, streetlights, and stormwater infrastructure — modern standards previously unseen in most parts of the state.
Health Infrastructure Beyond Walls
The road revolution is matched by a bold overhaul in healthcare delivery. “Every community in Anambra now has access to a primary healthcare center — at the very least, a nurse on duty who can connect to a doctor via telemedicine,” Mefor revealed.
This innovation in remote care delivery, he said, earned Anambra two national health awards and commendation from the United Nations. The model has made health care accessible in even the most remote areas, offering real-time consultations, prescriptions, and referrals — all from village clinics.
A Secure Road to Peace
On the issue of security, Mefor pointed to what he described as “a modern fortress built on intelligence.” Backed by the Anambra State Homeland Security Law (2025), the state now operates a Command and Control Center powered by artificial intelligence, allowing real-time surveillance of key roads and hotspots.
A 24/7 call center (dial 5111) enables residents to report incidents. Citizens are also encouraged to participate actively, with a whistleblower reward scheme offering up to ₦5 million for actionable intelligence.
Meanwhile, the state’s special task force, Operation Udo Ga-Achi, integrates the army, police, DSS, Civil Defence, Air Force, and local vigilantes (Agwunegenmba), delivering security synergy that ensures no part of Anambra is left behind.
Infrastructure for the People — and by the People
Governor Soludo’s focus extends beyond bricks and mortar — to human capital. His administration has revived and modernized the Igbo Apprenticeship Model, targeting 1,000 youth millionaires annually.
The first batch of 500 young entrepreneurs has not only graduated but also received seed capital to start their ventures. Some of them, now dubbed Proud Millionaires, are already mentoring a new set of 1,000 entrepreneurs. Another 8,700 are set to graduate in the coming months.
In the tech space, Anambra is fast becoming a digital hub. Youths trained in ICT and innovation are building apps and solutions, with one such application already in use by the state government. “There’s a new mantra here,” Mefor declared, “‘Everything ICT, Anambra is everything’.”
Fiscal Discipline, Development Focus
One of Soludo’s most groundbreaking reforms is in public finance. “He reversed the long-standing imbalance in spending,” Mefor noted. Anambra now allocates 77% of its budget to capital projects — the highest since 1999 — with only 23% spent on recurrent expenditures.
Even borrowed funds are tied strictly to viable infrastructure, like the ₦1.67 billion rail masterplan that is expected to pay for itself within 10 years.
The Verdict: A State Transformed
“Infrastructure is the gateway to development,” Dr. Law Mefor concluded. “And what we are witnessing in Anambra is unprecedented. From roads to health care, digital innovation, security, and fiscal reform, Governor Soludo is exceeding expectations — without borrowing a kobo.”
As Anambra marches forward, the message resonates clearly across the hills and valleys, in the markets and motor parks: Anambra is rising. Because Solution is here.
The Soludo Magic: Anambra Is Rising Because Solution Is Here