Gov Soludo Signals Continuity, Re-appoints Izuchukwu Okafor As Anambra Finance Commissioner

CHRISTIAN ABURIME

In a move widely seen as a vote of confidence in his economic team, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has officially re-appointed Mr. Izuchukwu Moses Okafor as the Commissioner for Finance.

The appointment which confirms Okafor’s return to the State Executive Council for the Governor’s second term, implies that the administration is focuswd on fiscal stability and the completion of its “Solution” development agenda.

First appointed in October 2023, Mr. Okafor quickly became a cornerstone of the Soludo administration’s financial strategy. During his initial tenure, he was credited with driving innovative revenue reforms and strengthening internal systems to ensure transparency in the state’s accounting.

Observers note that his leadership was instrumental in streamlining financial support for small businesses and optimizing the state’s internal revenue generation (IGR) mechanisms—a key pillar in Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra into a “liveable and prosperous smart mega-city.”

A native of Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area, Mr. Okafor brings a formidable professional pedigree to the role. Before his foray into state politics, he spent over a decade at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), where he rose to the rank of Manager of Financial Audit.

He initially transitioned into the Anambra State Government as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Governor on Finance and Audit, where he was tasked with laying the groundwork for the transparent financial frameworks the state utilizes today.

Mr. Okafor is regarded as a “scholar-practitioner,” balancing high-level administrative duties with academic rigor. His credentials include: B.Sc. in Accountancy – University of Abuja, M.Sc. in Accountancy – University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), Ph.D. Candidate – Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Accounting and Finance), Professional Member – Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

The re-appointment has been met with positive reactions from stakeholders within the state’s financial sector. By retaining Okafor, Governor Soludo has signaled a commitment to policy continuity and the further modernization of Anambra’s fiscal landscape.

Beyond the boardroom, Okafor is known for his commitment to family and faith. He is a father of four and remains active in community service within his home LGA.

The State Government has called on the public and stakeholders to support the Commissioner as he continues his mission to secure a prosperous financial future for the “Light of the Nation.”