Anambra: Governor Soludo Swears In 18 New Commissioners

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State​ on Monday swore in 18 new commissioners following their confirmation by the Anambra State House of Assembly.

The governor, who performed the function at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, also known as the "Lighthouse", in Awka, urged the newly appointed officials to provide optimal service to the people of Anambra State.

He advised his new cabinet to prioritise the “Anambra spirit” of excellence, urging them to shift their focus from the traditional celebration of political appointments to selfless public service and strict adherence to their oaths of office.

The following are the newly elected commissioners: Ben Odoemena (Agriculture), Chukwukadibia Okoye (Budget and Economic Planning), Udoji Amedu (Culture, Entertainment and Tourism), and Dr Ekene Ogugua (Education).

Others include Dr Afam Obidike (Health); Dr Law Mefor (Information and Value Reorientation); Clem Aguiyi (Environment); Prof. Offornze Amucheazi, SAN (Lands); and Vin Ezeaka (Local Government and Community Affairs).

Also sworn in were Casmir Agummadu (Power); Okey Ezeobi (Works and Infrastructure); Esther Onyekesi (Women Affairs and Social Development); Patrick Agha (Youth Development and Sports); Prof. Charles Ofoegbu (Petroleum and Mineral Resources); Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu (Physical Planning and Urban Development); Eddy Ibuzo (Transport); Henry Arinze (Housing); and Nonso Chukwuma Ebonwu (Commerce).

Other commissioners, including Afam Obidike (Health), Law Mefor (Information and Value Reorientation), and Patrick Agha (Youth Development and Sports), served in the governor’s first term.

The commissioner for finance, as well as the commissioner for justice and attorney general of the state, had already taken their oaths in March, bringing the total number of commissioners to 20.

Addressing the newly appointed officials following the oath-taking ceremony, Governor Soludo said they were part of his “Solution 2.0” team, emphasising that their appointments were strictly a call to rigorous work, sacrifice and public accountability, rather than personal celebration.

He urged the new appointees to immediately focus on the task of governance, reminding them that their decisions would directly affect the lives of more than nine million residents across Anambra State.

“Each of you has been carefully vetted through a thorough process, and we were very intentional in selecting everyone on this team. We charge you to run your respective ministries with a high level of prudence and synergy.”

The following were also inaugurated: the Managing Director of the Information Communication Technology Agency, Fred Agbata; the Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Agency, Emeka Okonkwo; the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, Dr Ossy Onuko; and the Managing Director of the Bureau of Public Procurement, Obi Okonkwo.

Prior to the latest inaugurations, the state cabinet grew to 20 members on March 25, when Tochukwu Nweke, SAN, was sworn in as the attorney-general and commissioner for justice, while Izuchukwu Okafor was sworn in as commissioner for finance.