By Christian Aburime
For great minds, leadership is about service that combines a sense of responsibility with a soul of empathy. Societies that have such great minds as leaders are indeed fortunate.
Today, Anambra State is proud to have one in Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, who marks a milestone birthday as he turns 65.
This is, therefore, a fitting occasion to reflect on the impactful leadership that has defined Governor Soludo’s tenure in Anambra State. His administration is a refreshing example of governance rooted in genuine care for the people he serves.
Over the past three years, his government has demonstrated that effective leadership is measured not by political grandstanding but by tangible improvements in the lives and welfare of the people.
A clear example is the governor’s free antenatal and delivery care programme for Anambra women, which embodies a deep understanding that maternal health is foundational to community prosperity. By removing financial barriers to prenatal and childbirth services, his administration has ensured that every expectant mother in Anambra—regardless of her financial status—can access quality healthcare during this critical period.
Similarly, his commitment to free education reflects a leader who understands that investing in children is investing in the future of the state. Education remains the most powerful tool for breaking cycles of poverty, and Governor Soludo’s dedication to making quality education accessible to every Anambra child demonstrates his long-term vision for the state’s sustainable development.
Equally significant is his prioritisation of prompt pension payments to senior citizens, which reflects another dimension of Governor Soludo’s empathetic leadership. Far too often, elderly citizens who have served the state faithfully find themselves neglected and forgotten. By ensuring they receive their pensions without delay, the governor has restored their dignity and provided them with the security they deserve in their later years.
Another key policy is the minimal or tax-free status for blue-collar workers, artisans, drivers, and others in the state, further illustrating the governor’s clear grasp of the economic pressures ordinary families face. By easing the tax burden on those who form the backbone of the state’s informal economy, Governor Soludo has shown that progressive governance means supporting those who can least afford additional strain.
Recently, the appreciative people of Anambra bestowed upon their governor a befitting title that captures the essence of his leadership character: “Oruatuegwu,” meaning one who does not fear work and works tirelessly without growing weary. This title, deeply rooted in Igbo values that celebrate industriousness and selfless service, reflects how the people themselves view their leader—for his relentless commitment to the transformation of their state.
So, in celebrating Governor Soludo’s 65th birthday, we celebrate more than a technocratic leader—we celebrate a model of leadership that places service above self-interest, responsibility above privilege, empathy above empty rhetoric, and real progress above political drama.
His administration reminds us that effective governance requires not only vision but also compassion; not only planning but also genuine care for the people.
In the end, the transformation of Anambra under his leadership proves what can be achieved when a leader truly understands that public service is, at its core, about serving the public—not oneself.
As he marks another year of life, the people of Anambra can take pride in having a governor who embodies the very best of servant leadership.
