Can Gov. Soludo’s Opponents Get To Olumbanasaa?

STEPHEN NNOPU

Now that the November 8, 2025 Anambra State gubernatorial election is on the front burner, it is crucial to remind all the other contenders gunning for the coveted position of the great distance that the incumbent Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, has already covered. If I may ask, can these wannabes go the distance? It is well-nigh impossible.

Let’s recall that history was made on Saturday, November 25, 2023, when a sitting Governor of Anambra State for the very first time visited Olumbanasaa in Anambra West Local Government Area, previously considered inaccessible. Governor Soludo dared to venture into a land where others dodged, demonstrating uncommon courage and unprecedented hands-on leadership. He clearly showed that he is the governor of everybody, not just those whose locations can be conveniently accessed through well-paved roads.

The journey to Olumbanasaa was an emotional one for Professor Soludo, as he wrote in his personal account: “…my heart brims with emotions so profound they transcend the scope of language.” He was aware he was keeping a date with history and would leave no stone unturned to mine the advantage of the visit. Since the creation of Anambra State, no governor had set foot in Olumbanasaa and similar communities in Ogbaru and Awka North local government areas.

It is important to remind the governorship contenders aspiring to get into the ultra-modern Government House, The Light House, which Soludo built, that Mr. Governor made the voyage to Olumbanasaa from atop the River Niger. The journey started at the Marine Jetty, Onitsha, and lasted for over one hour on the Nigeria Navy speedboats. The Governor’s boat finally moored at Igbedor waterside, where large numbers of ecstatic locals thronged to catch a glimpse of the Governor.

Aside from motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke), the primary means of transportation in Olumbanasaa were on foot and by boat. After a brief address at the river’s shore, the Governor and his entourage boarded kekes and okadas to head for one of the main aims of his visit: mediating in the fratricidal conflict between Allah-Onugwa and Odekpe communities. The mediation was successful, as Governor Soludo persuaded them to cease hostilities, enabling government to look into the contentious issue of land boundaries.

The Governor walked the talk of peace and development. The traditional ruler of Olumbanasaa, His Royal Highness Igwe Pius Machonu, paid glowing tribute to Governor Soludo for demonstrating exceptional love for his people. Governor Soludo stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence among neighboring communities, announcing his commitment to establishing a Primary Health Centre powered by solar energy—a promise that has since been fulfilled. The government has also illuminated Olumbanasaa with solar lights, provided boreholes, and revamped educational institutions.

The people’s joy was evident in the traditional song and dance that filled the air, as well as the majestic hippopotamus masquerade that entertained. The ill-assorted lot gunning for Governor Soludo’s office can hardly get this far to win the hearts of the people.

Notably, Governor Soludo’s visit to Olumbanasaa was neither a fluke nor a flight of fancy. Right from when he was campaigning for office, he showed genuine empathy for the neglected areas of Anambra State. Anybody aspiring to govern Anambra State must go Governor Soludo’s ennobling distance.

– Dr. Nnopu is an Awka-based public policy analyst and educationist.