By Izuchukwu Adichie
“The true measure of leadership is not how many awards you receive, but how many lives you touch.”
Last night, under the glittering lights of Eko Hotel in Lagos, Soludo, stood tall as he was unveiled as *The Sun Governor of the Year 2024* at the prestigious *Sun Newspaper Awards*. But in a moment that captured the essence of his leadership, Soludo did something unexpected: he dedicated the *Best Governor Award* to the unsung heroes of Anambra—the keke drivers, petty traders, farmers, and everyday citizens who form the backbone of the state’s economy.
For Soludo, this award was not just a personal achievement but a celebration of the resilience, hard work, and determination of Ndi Anambra. In his acceptance speech, he reflected on the struggles of the keke driver who wakes up at dawn to feed his family, the petty trader who hustles tirelessly to make ends meet, and the farmer who toils under the sun to put food on our tables. These are the people, he said, who inspire his vision for a livable and prosperous homeland.
Since assuming office in 2022, Soludo has made it his mission to uplift the lives of the most vulnerable. From clearing pension backlogs and providing free antenatal care and free delivery services to declaring free education to revitalizing public education and the healthcare sector and launching agricultural reforms, his administration has consistently prioritized policies that directly impact the everyday lives of Ndi Anambra. By dedicating this award to keke drivers and petty traders, Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive governance—a leadership style that leaves no one behind.
As the applause echoed through the hall, it was clear that this moment was more than just an award ceremony. It was a celebration of hope, resilience, and the power of collective effort. Soludo’s gesture reminded us all that true leadership is not about personal glory but about lifting others and creating a society where everyone can live happily and safely.
