By Ekene Okafor
Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, has once again received national recognition for his exemplary leadership, emerging as the recipient of the Vanguard Newspapers 2024 Good Governance Award. The honour was conferred during a prestigious ceremony held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The glamorous event brought together an elite audience comprising Nigeria’s political, business, and cultural class, with the awards spotlighting leaders who have demonstrated excellence in governance, innovation, and impactful service delivery.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Atedo Peterside, described the gathering as a “convergence of those rewriting Nigeria’s story,” underscoring the significance of the evening as one that celebrated both achievements and enduring legacies.
Governor Soludo’s recognition comes as no surprise, given the transformative strides witnessed in Anambra since his assumption of office in March 2022. His administration has made notable progress in areas such as security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, urban renewal, and economic diversification—all within a framework of fiscal discipline and zero borrowing.
The Vanguard award follows closely on the heels of his Governor of the Year 2024 honour by The Sun Newspaper, marking a double recognition of his data-driven and people-centred leadership style. According to Vanguard Editor Eze Anaba, the awards were based on verified developmental milestones rather than popularity.
Governor Soludo, a former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor and renowned economist, has anchored his governance model on what he calls a “people’s agenda,” prioritizing measurable progress over mere rhetoric. His approach to governance, described by observers as agile, innovative, and efficient, continues to win the admiration of citizens and stakeholders nationwide.
In his response, Governor Soludo dedicated the award to the people of Anambra, reiterating his administration’s resolve to do more. With his recent endorsement as the APGA flag bearer for the upcoming November 2025 governorship election, he assured that the state’s ongoing development will not only continue but scale up.
As Nigeria navigates its own development challenges, Governor Soludo’s results-driven style is being viewed by many as a potential blueprint for subnational transformation across the country.
