Soludo’s Take: Can Patriotism And Meritocracy Carve Path To Prosperity?

CHRISTIAN ABURIME

By a way of concluding his insightful Democracy Day discourse, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, believed recourse to ardent patriotism, meritocracy and fiscal prudence could also make a difference in our national journey to socio-economic recovery. Against the backdrop of economic challenges and societal fragmentation, Soludo’s intervention has triggered a call to rebuild a sense of nationalism and pride in Nigerian heritage and products.

“We must rebuild a sense of nationalism and patriotism and reinvent the old slogan of ‘black and proud’,” declared Soludo, underpinning the need to mainstream pride in everything Nigerian. This declaration is not merely paying lip service to patriotism but proposing a practical blueprint for national rejuvenation.

Governor Soludo’s Anambra is already a demonstration of this patriotic philosophy. For instance, the governor is often seen wearing Akwete fabric, handcrafted by women in Abia State, and driving Innoson vehicles, the pride of Nigerian automotive industry. This personal commitment to “buying Nigerian” exemplifies the governor’s broader strategy.

Beyond economic nationalism, Soludo also highlighted the importance of merit-based recruitment in the public sector. “The interest of the Anambra child is to be taught by the best teacher in the world, and not by a mediocre teacher from her village,” he emphasized. It is not a surprise that Anambra State under Governor Soludo has recruited 8,115 teachers from 18 states across Nigeria, ensuring that only the most qualified educators are employed. This approach extends to high-level appointments, where meritocracy, not ethnicity, guides decisions.

Yet another cornerstone of Soludo’s governance model is extreme fiscal prudence. “Doing More with Less” is not just a slogan but a reality in Anambra. By drastically cutting governance costs and prioritising capital spending, the state has achieved historic infrastructure improvements without borrowing. For instance, facility management costs were slashed from N137 million to N11 million monthly. Additionally, Anambra’s budget allocates 77% to capital expenditures, far outstripping the 23% for recurrent spending.

Governor Soludo’s personal and administrative austerity is evident. The Office of the First Lady has no budget allocation, and his wife uses their personal vehicle. This commitment to reducing waste is driven by a conviction that Anambra cannot afford extravagance. These measures have placed Anambra among Nigeria’s top five states in fiscal sustainability, with a strategic goal of covering recurrent expenses through internally generated revenue, thereby investing federal allocations in the state’s future.

But Soludo’s intervention was not just about Anambra’s achievements but also a broader vision for Nigeria. He emphasized the need to reorder national priorities to maximise value for the people amid limited resources. By championing civic duties and promoting a new ethical paradigm, Soludo envisions a more responsible and patriotic citizenry. There lies the path for a new Nigerian renaissance: nationalism, meritocracy, and fiscal prudence. As Soludo passionately stated, “We must intentionally build a sense of ‘nation’- not just a slogan but an attitude.” If Nigeria can embrace this ethos, our future will indeed be bright and proud.