Metchie Congratulates Soludo on Second-Term Inauguration

UhBy Raymond Ozoji

Ambassador Dr. John Metchie, Ezi Umueri, Ife Omambala, and President General (PG) of the ancient Umueri Kingdom in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State, has warmly congratulated the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, Olu Atu Egwu Ndi Anambra, on his second-term inauguration, which marks the commencement of another four-year tenure as Governor of Anambra State.
In a congratulatory message issued by the PG, Amb. Metchie described the re-election of Prof. Soludo as a clear endorsement of visionary leadership, transformative governance, and people-centred development.
He noted that the people of Anambra overwhelmingly demonstrated their confidence in the governor’s leadership at the polls, where he secured victory across all 21 Local Government Areas of the state, scoring a symbolic 73 per cent of the total votes cast. He described the feat as “a historic mandate and a strong affirmation that Ndi Anambra believe in the governor’s development blueprint.”
According to Amb. Metchie, Prof. Soludo’s first term witnessed remarkable infrastructural expansion and institutional reforms that have repositioned Anambra as one of Nigeria’s fastest-developing states.
He particularly commended the governor for sustaining and strengthening operations at the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Umueri, which he said has significantly elevated Anambra’s status as a logistics and commercial hub in the South-East.
He also praised the strategic rebranding of the airport to its current name, noting that the move reflects a stronger international outlook and appeal. In addition, he commended the governor for improving the overall standards, connectivity, and accessibility of the airport through the construction of modern road networks linking the facility to major parts of the state.
“Your administration’s commitment to ensuring the continued functionality and global appeal of the Chinua Achebe International Cargo Airport, Umueri, as well as the development of ultra-modern road connectivity to the airport and surrounding communities, has opened new economic opportunities for our people in Umueri and across the entire Omambala region,” he said.
Amb. Metchie further highlighted the extensive road construction and urban renewal programmes undertaken by the Soludo administration across the state. He noted that several communities within the Omambala axis have benefited from improved access roads, erosion control interventions, medical facilities, and enhanced public infrastructure.
He also applauded the governor’s decisive approach to security through the enactment of the Homeland Security Law, which he said has strengthened the state’s institutional capacity to confront criminality and restore public confidence.
The operationalisation of the Agunechemba security outfit, he added, has helped reclaim communities previously threatened by criminal elements, thereby restoring peace, dignity, and normal economic activities across the state.
According to him, the renewed sense of safety across Anambra communities is a clear demonstration and practical expression of what many now describe as the “Soludo Solution.”
He noted that what many residents now refer to as “Oso Soludo” among criminal elements who once terrorised the people has compelled many perpetrators of crime to flee the state.
“Today, families and businesses are gradually reclaiming their spaces, and Anambra is regaining its pride of place and reputation as a peaceful and industrious homeland,” he added.
Amb. Metchie also commended the governor’s strides in education reform, including significant investments in school infrastructure, digital learning initiatives, and teacher development programmes aimed at raising educational standards across the state. He further noted that the administration has recruited additional teachers to strengthen the education sector.
He stated that the governor’s free education policy from nursery to secondary school levels has enabled children from the poorest backgrounds to attend school without financial hardship. He added that the administration has also established new schools in communities where none previously existed.
Metchie observed that the Soludo administration has ended the era of hospitals without doctors and nurses through the recruitment of additional healthcare personnel, alongside the construction of five new general hospitals across the state, including the Umueri General Hospital.
He equally commended the governor for revitalising primary healthcare facilities across the state to ensure that grassroots communities have unhindered access to healthcare services.
He noted that the introduction of telemedicine by the administration has further enhanced access to comprehensive healthcare coverage, particularly in rural areas.
Stating that the governor has demonstrated strategic and innovative leadership, Dr. Metchie averred that the Soludo administration’s “One Youth, Two Skills” programme has emerged as a game changer in youth empowerment and productive engagement.
According to him, the initiative has taken thousands of young people off the streets by equipping them with relevant economic and entrepreneurial skills, while also discouraging the dangerous pursuit of quick wealth through rituals and other dubious means.
He further noted that the Soludo administration has prioritised the welfare of workers and pensioners through prompt payment of salaries, the clearing of pension backlogs, and reforms designed to strengthen the state’s civil service.
He added that the administration has also restored discipline and dedication to work within the public service while eliminating the culture of impunity among the state workforce, particularly through measures that ensure workers resume official duties on Mondays.
According to him, the governor’s bold move to restore economic activities on Mondays, which had previously been disrupted by needless sit-at-home orders, has saved the state billions of naira in lost productivity while reviving commerce and public life across Anambra.
Metchie equally observed that the newly constructed Lighthouse (Government House), which comprises 34 buildings, the Solution Fun City, and other landmark projects executed during Governor Soludo’s first term have conferred a befitting status on the state capital and Anambra State as a whole. He added that these projects have significantly revitalised social life across the state.
“These reforms have helped reposition Anambra as a thriving centre of enterprise and innovation, reaffirming its reputation as the commercial heartbeat of the South-East,” he said.
The Umueri PG also noted that the governor’s visionary leadership has earned him several recognitions and awards from reputable national institutions and media organisations, which he described as well-deserved acknowledgements of his commitment to good governance, innovation, and public service.
He assured the governor that the people of Umueri and the entire Anambra East and West Federal Constituency remain firmly behind him and will continue to demonstrate unwavering support for his leadership.
“Our people of Umueri and the entire Anambra East and West Federal Constituency stand solidly with you. We proved this clearly at the gubernatorial polls, and we shall continue to demonstrate our loyalty and support in unmistakable terms whenever called upon,” he stated.
Looking ahead to the governor’s second term, Amb. Metchie expressed confidence that Prof. Soludo would consolidate on the foundations already laid and complete the numerous development projects initiated during his first tenure.
“In this new mandate, our people expect even greater infrastructural transformation. We are confident that you will complete the important projects you have begun and usher in a new era of prosperity for Anambra State,” he said.
He also prayed for divine wisdom, strength, and good health for the governor as he continues to steer the affairs of Anambra State toward sustainable development and lasting prosperity, stressing that the best is yet to come from the Soludo administration.