Category: Politics

AWKA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, has been inaugurated for a second term, outlining plans to deepen development and accelerate the state’s transformation.

Speaking at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Tuesday, Soludo recalled that his first term began without fanfare, focusing immediately on security and urgent social needs, starting with interventions in Okpoko. He said his administration has delivered over 90% of its promises, earning widespread public support and a 73% electoral victory, which he described as a strong endorsement of his development agenda.

He cited major achievements, including dismantling criminal camps and restoring security, extensive road construction and dualization, and urban renewal projects across Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia. Other milestones include revived water schemes, environmental efforts, and digital skills training for more than 300,000 youths. Programs such as 1Youth 2Skills and agricultural initiatives, including the distribution of millions of seedlings, have supported job creation and household incomes.

In education and healthcare, the government recruited over 8,000 teachers, expanded free education, upgraded public schools, and recorded improved national performance. In healthcare, free antenatal and delivery services have benefited over 200,000 women, while new hospitals and primary care investments have strengthened access. The state has also received recognition for fiscal transparency and sustainable public finance management.

Soludo reiterated his long-term vision to transform Anambra into an “African Dubai–Taiwan–Silicon Valley,” driven by commerce, industrialisation, and technology, under the Anambra Vision 2070 framework.

Looking ahead, he pledged to prioritise security and electricity while advancing major infrastructure projects, including new cities, an industrial hub, an innovation district, and planned rail and gas systems. He said land banking and structured urban planning are critical to managing future population growth.

The governor also emphasised social reorientation, warning against criminality and promoting values of hard work and integrity among youths.

He called for unity among political actors, collaboration with the federal government, neighbouring states, and investors, and greater participation from citizens and the diaspora. Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to governance over politics, promising to dedicate the next four years to building a secure, livable, and prosperous Anambra.

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 17, 2026 — Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has applauded Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Soludo, for his immense contributions to nation‑building and fostering unity. Shettima made the remarks today during the swearing‑in of Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for a second term in Awka.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the well‑attended event, Shettima noted that the APC‑led government has benefited greatly from Soludo’s constructive advice. He described the governor as a man of ideas and honour who, despite entering office at a time when many politicians compromised integrity for relevance and sowed discord, remained committed to national growth and development.

The Vice President hailed Soludo as a specialist of insight, a restless thinker, and a public intellectual of uncommon range. He said, “That is what it means to be in the business of nation‑building. It means placing the welfare of the federation above the vanity of partisan fences. It means understanding that Nigeria is too precious a vessel to be abandoned to the storms simply because the rowers wear different colours.”

The inauguration was graced by dignitaries, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, underscoring the national significance of the occasion.

Soludo’s first tenure recorded landmark milestones, including Nigeria’s largest state budget, urban renewal in Okpoko, infrastructure expansion, improved security, healthcare and education reforms, economic diversification, and environmental management — achievements the Professor of Economics and former Central Bank of Nigeria governor described as Anambra’s “return to winning ways.”

LAGOS, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 17, 2026 — Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, on Tuesday commissioned the rehabilitated 31-kilometre Ohoro–Bomadi Road, in a colourful ceremony attended by community leaders, residents, and party supporters.

In a statement on March 17, 2026, Oborevwori described the road as “very strategic,” noting that it cuts across Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Bomadi, and Burutu Local Government Areas. He emphasised that his administration views road infrastructure as a catalyst for development and is committed to delivering key projects that improve the lives of the people.

“The inauguration of this road will boost socio-economic activities and change the development narrative of our riverine communities,” the governor said.

Oborevwori also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that have enhanced allocations to sub-national governments, enabling states to execute capital projects more effectively.

“At the event, I acknowledged the invaluable contributions of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to the success of my administration through the various reforms that have enhanced allocations to sub-national governments,” he added.

Other landmark road projects currently being executed by the Delta State Government include the massive ₦78 billion Warri/Effurun Flyovers and Road Expansion Project, by Julius Berger, which features three iconic flyovers at PTI Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction, alongside cloverleaf interchanges and sweeping road upgrades. In addition, the government has rolled out ₦80 billion coastal communities road projects, designed to open up riverine areas and transform access to long‑neglected communities.

LAGOS, NIGERIA — (Agency Report) March 17, 2026 — The Arewa community in Lagos State has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in an alleged attempt to undermine its structure within the APC ahead of 2027 elections.

Community leaders, alongside over 200 members, on Monday stormed the Lagos APC secretariat in Ikeja, submitting a petition detailing grievances against the party’s state leadership.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the petition titled: ‘S.O.S to Our Grand Patron, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Against Attempts to Undermine the Arewa Community Structure.’

The letter was signed by the community secretary, Alhaji Musa Saleh, and addressed to Tinubu through Lagos APC Chairman, Mr Cornelius Ojelabi.

It was received by the party’s secretary, Dr Adeola Jokomba, on behalf of Ojelabi, alongside other state executives including Deputy Chairman, Chief Moshood Mayegun.

The petition stated: “The Arewa Community in Lagos was formally inaugurated in 2021 at Alausa Secretariat by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“It has remained a critical stakeholder in the evolution of our party from AD to AC, ACN and eventually the APC.”

The community said it had consistently worked for the party’s success under the leadership of its apex leader, Mr Ahmed Kabir Abdullahi.

“Our members remain dedicated and loyal, ensuring electoral victories for the APC at all levels,” the letter read.

It noted that the community had produced commissioners, special advisers and councillors across several Lagos councils with significant Arewa populations.

Such councils include Agege, Mushin, Ikosi-Isheri, Agboyi-Ketu, Ajeromi, Yaba, Ifako-Ijaiye, Mainland and Epe, among others.

Other areas listed include Surulere, Apapa, Amuwo-Odofin, Shomolu, Ikoyi-Obalende, Ikeja, Ojo, Ikorodu, Badagry and Seme Border.

The community stated: “Mr President, you sponsored the election of many of our candidates in the past.

“Today, we fear losing everything despite our commitment and sacrifices for the party.”

The group alleged that the current party leadership under Ojelabi had failed to uphold the structure built by the community.

“Rather, what we built together is being sabotaged,” the petition claimed.

It further alleged that some individuals linked to former President Muhammadu Buhari’s political circle were behind attempts to weaken the community’s influence.

The group said it had built a formidable structure that made APC electoral victories in Lagos easier.

It recalled that ahead of the 2023 governorship election, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu intervened after noticing attempts to undermine the Arewa structure.

 According to the letter, the governor invited community leaders to the State House, Marina, where the matter was discussed.

“That engagement improved our performance and strengthened our contributions in subsequent elections,” the petition stated.

The group urged Tinubu to address the issues ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections.

It demanded supervisory or special adviser positions in local governments and LCDAs in line with established party arrangements.

The community also said its members played key roles in securing APC victories during the July 12, 2025 local government elections.

“In some councils, it is difficult for our party to win without the Arewa Community. 

“We will not allow anyone to jeopardise the party’s electoral chances through acts of sabotage,” it stated.

The community reaffirmed loyalty to Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu and the APC.

“We appreciate your consistent support and seek your intervention to resolve the issues affecting the Arewa Community in Lagos,” it added.

Speaking after receiving the petition, Abdullahi said Arewa elders had been urged to intervene in resolving the grievances.

He said stakeholders acknowledged that the structure established by Tinubu was being undermined.

“Some individuals have been compromised to scatter this winning structure.

“So, we have listened to them and assured them that their concerns will be addressed,” Abdullahi told journalists.

He said consultations with party elders and leaders had already begun to resolve the matter.

“We will also reach out to the President and deliver the letter to him. The grievances will certainly be examined and addressed,” he said.

He described the Arewa Community as vital to Lagos politics and electoral success.

According to him, the community also serves as a bridge between Lagos and northern Nigeria.

“A group as important as the Arewa Community must be carried along in appointments and distribution of relief materials.

“We stand with them and believe these issues should be properly addressed,” he said. (NAN).