Governor Soludo urges Nigerians to focus on building a better future instead of dwelling on the past at The Platform event.
He calls for united political action, youth investment, and stronger values to create a more peaceful and developed nation.
Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, delivered a powerful and visionary address at The Platform event held in Lagos, outlining a comprehensive blueprint for building a sustainable Nigerian nation.
Speaking on the topic “Rebuilding Our Nation,” Soludo emphasized that Nigeria remains a “work-in-progress,” grappling with deep-rooted diversity in ethnicity, language, and religion. Rather than focusing on nostalgia for a glorified past, the former Central Bank Governor urged Nigerians to shift the narrative toward “creating a sustainable Nigerian nation.”
Drawing from historical perspectives, Soludo referenced political icons such as Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, and Chinua Achebe to highlight Nigeria’s longstanding struggles with unity and national identity. He reiterated the aspirational line in the National Anthem “where no one is oppressed” as a moral compass for inclusive governance and social equity.
Soludo called for a cultural and ideological reset in Nigerian politics. He advocated for the revival of ideologically defined political parties, proposing the formation of a unified Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA). This alliance, according to him, should merge center-left parties like APGA, APC, LP, and SDP to present a single presidential candidate in the 2027 general election. The alliance would be anchored on the social and economic rights outlined in Chapter Two of the Nigerian Constitution.
Criticizing what he described as the “Nigerian Elite Plc” a reference to the prevailing elite-dominated and opportunistic political culture Soludo emphasized the need for clarity, consistency, and continuity in governance.
Highlighting successes from his tenure in Anambra State, Soludo pointed to reforms in security, education, healthcare, and governance. He cited the state’s Homeland Security Law, which criminalizes superstitious money-making rituals and combats unverifiable wealth claims. According to him, the policy has significantly reduced crime, making Anambra the safest state in the country.
The governor also stressed the importance of ethical-value reorientation, advocating for a national rebirth grounded in hard work, integrity, and productivity. He proposed the integration of Civic Education and a Citizens’ Code of Conduct in school curricula while encouraging churches, mosques, media, and Nollywood to play active roles in shaping public values.
Soludo’s “One State, One People, One Agenda” philosophy was presented as a working model of inclusive governance. He revealed that under his administration, Anambra has ensured equitable appointments and resource distribution regardless of ethnic or religious background, even going as far as appointing non-indigenes to government positions.
On a national level, he called for a broader conversation on citizenship versus indigeneship, suggesting the establishment of a Bureau to mediate grievances and ensure that no Nigerian is treated as an outsider within their own country.
Soludo also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as difficult but necessary steps to stabilize the country’s finances and avert economic collapse. He urged the administration to remain steadfast despite mounting challenges.
Looking to the future, Soludo called for massive investment in Nigeria’s youth through programs like NELFUND and state-led initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and employment. These policies, he said, will create a generation of active stakeholders in Nigeria’s future.
Rounding off his speech, Soludo shared a Pan-African vision, positioning Nigeria as the cornerstone of a future United States of Africa. Echoing the words of Frantz Fanon, he charged today’s generation to recognize and fulfill its historic duty.
Governor Soludo’s address was met with resounding applause, as many attendees described it as both a call to action and a detailed plan for national renewal.
