Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been honored as the Democracy Governor of the Year by Leadership Scorecard Magazine, recognizing his substantial contributions to the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
The award was presented in Abuja during a public lecture organized by the magazine to honor Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Nigeria’s Head of State from 1998 to 1999. The lecture, themed “Democracy in Africa: The Legacy of Abdulsalami Abubakar,” was part of the celebrations acknowledging the institutionalization of democracy in Nigeria since 1999 and highlighting Gen. Abubakar’s pivotal role in establishing the Fourth Republic and his ongoing efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and ensure peaceful elections.
The keynote address was delivered by renowned Pan-Africanist, Kenyan lawyer, and activist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba.
Governor Soludo, represented by his Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Barr. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, received the award from the Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onayiekan. In his acceptance speech, Governor Soludo emphasized his administration’s commitment to foundational reforms aimed at building a new Anambra grounded in strong democratic institutions.
Governor Soludo highlighted key policies of his administration, which prioritize the welfare of the marginalized and promote social equality. These include free education in all basic public schools, free delivery services for women, the transformation of the populous slum in Okpoko, the construction of over 500 kilometers of roads to improve access to rural and marginalized communities, reforms in the justice system, and the recent passage of the Anambra Electoral Bill 2024 to strengthen local governance.
He underscored that these initiatives embody the true essence of democracy by addressing the needs of the majority while also heeding the voices of the minority.
Other awardees at the event included Governors Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, Babagana Zulum of Borno State, and Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
