Our destination spanned the Canadian innovation hub of Brampton to the pulsating heart of global technology: Silicon Valley, California. The mission was clear: to seal partnerships between the Anambra State Government and the architects of tomorrow’s technology, advancing Governor Soludo’s ambitious vision of transforming Anambra into the African Dubai Taiwan Silicon Valley model.
On this discovery tour, two truths crystallised with striking clarity. First, while many of us are still grappling with the transition from pen and paper to basic computing, the world has already ascended to the digital clouds, leveraging technologies that will fundamentally reshape civilisation and leave the unprepared mind subservient to machines. Second, a true leader looks beyond the transitory triumphs visible within their tenure. Instead, they intentionally construct foundations for legacies that will outlive them.
For context, when Governor Soludo speaks of Anambra Vision 2070, one can ask a revealing question: how old will he be by then? He will be approximately 136 years, possibly posthumous. That single question defines visionary leadership.
At the Brampton Innovation District in Canada and throughout Silicon Valley in San Jose, I watched in awe as the Governor walked from one facility to another, passionately pursuing a vision for Anambra that transcends electoral cycles. In every engagement with technology leaders across North America, he negotiated for Anambra’s interests with the intensity of someone protecting personal wealth.
His message remained consistent and uncompromising: “We are building our own Silicon Valley, the Solution Innovation District. We are laying a foundation for Anambra to become the African Dubai Taiwan Silicon Valley. We have the human resources attractive to businesses. We are here for partnerships.” He meant every word.
In San Jose, we visited Siemens Healthineers. Beyond the briefing sessions and presentations on partnering to bring world-class cancer care technology to Anambra, something extraordinary happened during the factory tour. For more than forty-five minutes, the Governor inspected every machine personally, asking explicit questions with genuine curiosity.
Next came NVIDIA, one of the world’s largest developers of AI infrastructure. There, the Professor-Governor sat like a student, absorbing lessons and taking notes, proving that humility remains a hallmark of effective leadership.
We continued to San Jose State University, where we met with the university president.
At each stop, the Governor effectively marketed Anambra State, and Nigeria, leveraging our population and human capital as compelling reasons for investment. One would inevitably realise that Nigeria is profoundly undermarketed, and something significant may be emerging from this.
While the trip might tend to be overwhelming in its sheer touring intensity, the Governor remained eager to engage further within our packed schedule. His focus stayed fixed on achieving a goal for the younger generation of Ndi Anambra: establishing the foundation for a new society built on Vision 2070.
On returning home, my thoughts were occupied with possibilities rather than grievances, reflections instead of agitations. How many leaders truly dream about their constituencies beyond their lifetimes, much less pursue those dreams with such relentless resolve?
Indeed, beyond the infrastructure transformation unfolding across Anambra State, beyond the reforms in health, education, and justice sectors, beyond the sparks of leisure development and value reformation now unleashed in the state, Governor Soludo is building something far greater. He is constructing a new Anambra society which will outlive him. That, of course, is leadership that is infinitely inspiring, and the kind of governance that transforms nations. Anambra is in good hands!
– Nweke, SAN, is the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of Anambra State.