….Gov. Soludo elevates Anambra’s legacy in less than 3 years
Citypost News Desk
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR is on the verge of achieving a historic milestone in Anambra State, as he prepares to move into a newly constructed multi-billion naira Governor’s Lodge in Awka. The state-of-the-art facility, described as one of the largest government houses in Nigeria, redefines governance and leadership without plunging the state into debt.
The President and CEO of IYKE JORDAN Group, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnahasi, whose company is overseeing the project, assured journalists during a site tour that the 28.8-hectare Government House complex, comprising about 30 buildings will be completed within weeks. The buildings are currently undergoing simultaneous finishing and furnishing, further reflecting the governor’s commitment to delivering excellence.
For decades, Anambra State has operated from a makeshift Government House initially designed for construction workers. Prof. Soludo’s administration, however, has embarked on a legacy-driven mission to leave both the old and new government lodges better than they were found.
The old Government House in Awka has been reimagined into a tech-centric hub, designated as the permanent site for the Solution Innovation District (SID). This ambitious project, spearheaded by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Chinwe Okoli, aims to transform the space into a Silicon Valley for the South-East region.
Engr. Eniola O, who represented the contractor handling the SID development, revealed that construction on the first major structure began in June 2024, with completion expected by May 2025. He praised Governor Soludo for his prompt response to logistical needs, emphasizing that funding has not been a barrier to the project’s progress.
The 13.7-hectare SID project aligns with Soludo’s vision of establishing Anambra as Nigeria’s digital and creative capital. It aims to nurture digital talent, support startups, foster research, and provide an enabling environment for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and IT-related businesses in the state.
Chinwe Okoli in a previous statement reaffirmed the SID’s potential to position Anambra at the forefront of Nigeria’s technology revolution, ensuring the facility lives up to its purpose of driving innovation and empowering young entrepreneurs.
Governor Soludo’s dual achievement, constructing a befitting Governor’s Lodge and transforming the old facility into a beacon of innovation; all without borrowing from financial institutions, underscores his pragmatic approach to governance and his legacy as a visionary leader.
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