“We’re Getting to the Roots, Uprooting Pastors, JuJu Men Leading Our Youths to Crime” — Soludo

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing insecurity at its root causes, stating that efforts are now focused on dismantling the networks that drive youth into crime. Speaking at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia while receiving a letter of award for good governance from Vanguard Media Limited, Soludo emphasized that his government is confronting individuals, including fake pastors and traditionalists, who mislead young people with false promises of wealth.

Reflecting on the security situation when he took office nearly three years ago, Soludo noted that seven local government areas in Anambra South were under the control of non-state actors. While challenges remain, he expressed confidence that recent efforts will restore normalcy across the state. The launch of the Udo ga achi security outfit, with Agunechemba as its operational arm, has led to the arrest of individuals allegedly deceiving youths into criminal activities. He condemned those who exploit religious and traditional beliefs for personal gain, leading young people into fraud, drug trafficking, and kidnapping.

Soludo criticized self-proclaimed spiritual leaders who promise prosperity without hard work, calling them fraudsters who prey on the vulnerable. He pointed out the hypocrisy of some religious figures and native doctors who claim to have the power to make others rich while their own families remain in poverty. He cited instances where young people were misled into believing they could evade law enforcement while smuggling illicit substances, only to end up in jail worldwide.

The governor also highlighted his administration’s broader achievements despite security challenges. He detailed progress in healthcare, education, infrastructure, and digital transformation, positioning Anambra as a leader in human capital development. Under his leadership, the state has won $1.2 million in national and regional awards for excellence in primary healthcare. Over 1,000 medical personnel have been employed, five new general hospitals have been built, and the state’s free antenatal and delivery program has recorded nearly 83,000 births with minimal mortality.

In education, Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to truly free schooling from nursery through secondary levels. His administration has recruited 5,000 teachers based on merit, leading to a rise in public school enrollment and a significant reduction in out-of-school children. Anambra now boasts one of the lowest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria, below 0.5% compared to the national average of about 30%.

Soludo also celebrated the success of the One Youth, Two Skills program and the Igbo apprenticeship initiative in collaboration with *UNIZIK Business School*. Over 5,000 youths have already graduated from the scheme, with many becoming self-sufficient entrepreneurs. The state aims to create 1,000 millionaires annually, with 8,300 more youths set to benefit from empowerment programs this year.

On infrastructure, he revealed that over 750 kilometers of roads are currently under construction, with more than 400 kilometers already completed to a high standard. The transformation of Okpoko, one of the largest slums in the South East, includes 18 kilometers of new roads, street lighting, pipe-borne water, and a general hospital.

Soludo expressed optimism about Anambra’s future, emphasizing that every kobo spent must be accounted for. He envisions the state becoming a hub for digital innovation, enterprise, and sustainable development, laying the foundation for what he describes as an “African Dubai-Taiwan.”