By Hon. Kamen Chuks Ogbonna
The Igbo culture has long championed distinction and excellence in various fields, fostering a tradition where every individual can rise as a leader through outstanding achievements. This commitment is reflected in the conferment of chieftaincy titles, which honor distinguished Igbo sons and daughters and inspire others to strive for greatness.
On September 29, 2025, Ndigbo from eight states of Nigeria; Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Delta (Anioma), Edo (Igbanke), and Rivers—gathered at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Anambra State, to celebrate the 25th World Igbo Day themed *“Onye Aghana Nwanne Ya”* (Let No One Abandon Their Kin).
The gathering observed a moment of silence to honor departed Igbo heroes, particularly those lost during the Nigerian Civil War era, with specific reference to the tragic events of 1966. A call was also made for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, a prominent Igbo activist.
The pinnacle of the event was the conferment of the prestigious chieftaincy title Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo; meaning “The Light That Illuminates the Igbo People”, on His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, Governor of Anambra State, by traditional rulers from the eight Igbo-speaking states.
This unprecedented title recognizes Governor Soludo’s transformative leadership and contributions to the Igbo nation and beyond.
Just days prior, on September 25, 2025, Governor Soludo was honored as the **African Governor of the Year** at the Global Power Forum in New York City, held on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly.
This prestigious award, accompanied by the African Public Service Excellence Award and a Certificate of Special Recognition from the South Carolina House of Representatives, celebrated his innovative governance, including over 750 km of road construction, free education initiatives, and enhanced security in Anambra without new borrowing. His keynote address, themed “Africa Unleashed: Navigating the Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities—The Anambra State Example,” highlighted his vision for a prosperous “Dubai-Taiwan” model for the state.
Serving under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), a party rooted in Igbo ideals, Governor Soludo has pursued a governance style of “doing more with less,” curbing political excesses and ensuring Anambra remains inhospitable to criminal elements.
His earlier tenure as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from 2004 to 2009 saw bold banking reforms, consolidating the sector from 89 to 25 institutions, which strengthened Nigeria’s financial system against global economic challenges.
Governor Soludo has also built a strong rapport with Nigeria’s federal government, ensuring Anambra’s interests are prioritized at the national level.
His strategic alliance with the ruling party, encapsulated in the phrase “Progressives are Working Together,” reflects his pragmatic approach without compromising APGA’s values. In his address at the Awka event, he emphasized the need for Ndigbo to form alliances with other Nigerian ethnic groups and global partners, noting, “Those who are itinerant cannot afford to be intolerant.” This mindset encourages Ndigbo to leverage their global presence through collaboration rather than isolation.
The title Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo* is a profound acknowledgment of Governor Soludo’s role as a beacon of progress for the Igbo people. His leadership exemplifies the Igbo spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence.
By strengthening APGA as a platform for regional influence and fostering strategic partnerships, Soludo sets a model for Ndigbo to follow.
On behalf of Ndigbo, I congratulate His Excellency, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR; Oku Nyelu Ife Ndigbo, Oluatuegwu Ndi Anambra, First-Class Professor of Economics, and the Solution Governor. Your visionary leadership inspires pride and unity among Ndigbo.
We urge our people to rally behind your example, strengthening APGA as a unifying force and embracing alliances to elevate the Igbo nation.
Hon. Kamen Chuks Ogbonna writes from
Abuja, Nigeria
