Soludo Swears In 18 New Commissioners, Says ‘Appointment, A Heavy Burden Of Public Trust Not Invitation To Personal Luxury

By Christian ABURIME

Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR has taken the most definitive step yet toward executing the developmental blueprint of his second term by formally swearing in 18 newly confirmed commissioners. The high-profile ceremony, held at the Executive Council Chambers inside the Light House in Awka, marks the systematic assembly of “Team Solution 2.0.”

The event followed the successful screening and confirmation of the nominees by the Anambra State House of Assembly. To broaden institutional synergy, the Governor simultaneously inaugurated four key heads of agencies into the State Executive Council, forming a unified administrative team designed to accelerate Anambra’s economic transformation.

With Barrister Tobechukwu Nweke, SAN (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice) and Mr. Izuchukwu M. Okafor (Finance) having been cleared and sworn in earlier, the state’s cabinet now stands at a functional strength of 21 commissioners.

Delivering a stern, philosophically charge to the new Exco members, Governor Soludo re-emphasized his administration’s departure from traditional political entitlement. He warned the appointees that their roles must be treated as heavy burdens of public trust rather than invitations to personal luxury.

“In Nigeria, a public appointment is too often viewed as a call to ‘come and chop.’ But under this administration, I don’t see a dining table. What I see is grueling work; I see fields where you must sweat to serve,” Governor Soludo stated.

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The Governor revealed that the entire cabinet selection process was highly intentional, characterized by deep vetting to ensure merit and capacity. Using a metaphor to describe the high-velocity pace expected of his second-term administration, he remarked:

“The plane is already on autopilot. If you don’t get into the passenger cabin, you must get directly into the cockpit. We are in a race against time to build a liveable and prosperous homeland for over nine million Ndi Anambra. Your decisions from this moment forward will directly impact their lives and millions more in the diaspora. Your celebration ends with this ceremony; work begins immediately.”

Governor Soludo further challenged the cabinet members to keep their copy of the Oath of Office close, revealing that he keeps his own displayed in his bedroom as a daily moral compass before stepping out for governance. He concluded by appealing to the families and relatives of the appointees to manage their personal expectations, stressing that public service requires immense sacrifice and 24/7 commitment.

The full list of the 18 newly inaugurated commissioners and their portfolios includes: Agriculture: Ben Odoemena, Budget and Economic Planning: Chukwukadibia Okoye, FCCA, Culture, Entertainment and Tourism: Udoji Amedu

Education: Dr. Ekene Ogugua, Environment: Dr. Clem Aguiyi, Health: Dr. Afam Obidike, Information and Value Reformation: Dr. Law Mefor, Lands: Professor Offornze Amucheazi, SAN, Local Government and Community Affairs: Vin Ezeaka, Petroleum and Mineral Resources: Prof. Charles Ofoegbu.

Others include; Physical Planning and Urban Development: Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu, Power: Engr. Casmir Agummadu, Works and Infrastructure: Engr. Okey Ezeobi, Transport: Eddy Ibuzo, Women Affairs and Social Development: Esther Onyekesi, Youth Development and Sports: Patrick Agha, MBA, Housing: Arc. Henry Arinze, Commerce: Mr. Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu

Agency Heads inaugurated into Exco are, MD, Anambra Road Traffic Agency (ARTMA): Mr. Emeka Okonkwo, MD, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA): Dr. Ossy Onuko, MD, Information Communication Technology (ICT) Agency: Mr. Fred Agbata, MD, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP): Engr. Obi Okonkwo.

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated executive council members, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Dr. Law Mefor, expressed profound gratitude to both the state legislature for its swift confirmation process and to Governor Soludo for the privilege to serve.

Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, Principal Secretary, Barr Joachin Peters Anetoh, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Ben Nwankwo, among others, were present at the inauguration ceremony.