By Izunna Okafor, Awka
It was an atmosphere of praise, worship and deep reflection in Awka as Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo led the people of Anambra State in a high-profile interdenominational thanksgiving service held at the International Conference Centre, Awka, to appreciate God for the successful completion of his first four years in office and to dedicate his second term to divine guidance ahead of his inauguration on March 17, 2026.
Themed “Leading with Wisdom and Integrity,” the solemn but colourful service, attracted a large congregation of clergymen, government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders and citizens from across the state, who gathered to offer thanksgiving for what have been widely described as the remarkable achievements recorded by the Soludo Administration within the first tenure. This was corroborated by statement issued to newsmen on Sunday by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Christian Aburime.
Speaking during the service, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude to God for what he described as uncommon grace throughout his first four years in office, attributing the successes of his administration to divine direction and the overwhelming support of Ndi Anambra, who returned him to office with about 73 percent of the total votes cast in the last governorship election.
According to the Governor, his daily prayer since assumption of office has been for God to use him as an instrument for the progress of the state, stressing that the renewal of his mandate is a call to greater service and responsibility.
He urged the people of the state to remain responsible, law-abiding and supportive as the government begins another phase of development, reiterating his resolve to continue building what he described as a “New Anambra” founded on hard work, merit, discipline and good character, rather than criminality, criminal idolatry, or drug-related activities.
Governor Soludo also emphasized the need for unity among people of different faiths, noting that development can only thrive in an atmosphere of tolerance, mutual respect and shared purpose.
He recalled his participation in Iftar with the Muslim community a day earlier, alongside the interdenominational service, saying both events symbolise the unity of faith and the importance of collective prayers for the peace and progress of the state.
According to him, society should not judge people by religion, tribe or background, but by the value they bring to the community, assuring that the same principle of inclusiveness, fairness and service will guide his administration in the next four years.
In his exhortation, the Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Awka Archbishop, Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, stressed that leadership requires divine wisdom, integrity and total commitment to the welfare of the people, noting that the challenges of governance can only be overcome through consistency, courage and fear of God.
He observed that the Soludo Administration has faced difficult moments in security, infrastructure and economic development, but maintained that steadfastness and sincerity of purpose remain the strongest pillars of sustainable leadership.
Also speaking, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, commended the Governor for beginning and ending his first tenure with thanksgiving, describing praise as a powerful weapon that invites divine intervention in the affairs of leaders and nations.
The cleric described Governor Soludo as a leader with a national outlook, further adding that committing the new tenure to God was a wise step that would attract divine guidance and protection for the state.
Special prayers were offered for the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, members of the State Executive Council and the people of Anambra, as the state prepares for the official swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on March 17, 2026.
The thanksgiving service formed part of activities lined up ahead of the inauguration ceremony, with many describing the event as a moment of spiritual renewal and rededication of the state to the service of God and humanity.
Reports have it that the large turnout of religious leaders and citizens reflected the level of public interest in the next phase of the Soludo administration, as expectations remain high for continued transformation in infrastructure, security, economic development and value re-orientation across the state.
The event ended with prayers for peace, unity and progress, amid songs of praise and expressions of optimism that the second tenure of the administration would usher in a greater wave of achievements for Anambra State.
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