Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has been inaugurated for his second term in office, a significant event marked by the presence of numerous prominent dignitaries and commendations from Nigeria's Vice President, Kashim Shettima. The swearing-in ceremony, held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, saw Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, recommit to their mandate, which is set to run until 2030.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, lauded Governor Soludo for his substantial contributions to nation-building. Shettima described Soludo as a leader deeply committed to unity, development, and institutional growth, highlighting his integrity and focus on national progress despite political challenges. The Vice President emphasized that President Tinubu's policies have significantly benefited from Soludo's candid, insightful, and patriotic counsel, underscoring the governor's engagement with national issues both publicly and privately as a testament to prioritizing national interest over partisan politics. Shettima remarked that Soludo’s leadership style exemplifies governance that can unify people and inspire progress without conflict, attributing his re-election to a renewed covenant with competence from his people. He also stressed the critical role of the deputy governor in translating vision into tangible progress and praised Soludo's maturity in fostering a productive relationship between Anambra State and the federal government, which has enabled stability and development.

In his inaugural address, Governor Soludo reflected on his first term, describing it as a period of laying strong foundations, particularly in enhancing security and rebuilding infrastructure. He proudly declared that the long-running sit-at-home order, which previously paralyzed economic activities every Monday, is now effectively over. Soludo stated, “The debilitating one-sit-at-home is over, and our schools, markets, businesses, and public servants are back to work. Ndi Anambra says that ours is now the safest, or at least one of the safest states in Nigeria.” He highlighted that Monday activities have fully resumed across the state, a stark contrast to previous years. The governor credited these improvements to decisive measures, including the dismantling of some 62 to 64 criminal camps and the liberation of 8 local governments that were previously under total siege. He also pointed to a significant increase in economic and social activity, noting that Anambra experienced its best Christmas season in decades, with a "mass return" and over 10,000 daily visitors to "Solution City" until early January.

Soludo further elaborated on the strategies employed to tackle insecurity, including the implementation of the Homeland Security Law 2025. He addressed a concerning trend among youths promoting "wealth without work" and linked it to rising criminality. Through enforcement efforts described as “Oso Soludo,” his administration has cracked down on individuals involved in such activities, leading to hundreds of dangerous native doctors being on the run. Notably, Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, described as the "poster boy of the new phenomenon," pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a jail term, with his massive shrine subsequently destroyed. The governor stressed his administration's focus on restoring ethical values and combating issues such as drugs, cultism, and general criminality, aiming for an "ethical and cultural rebirth" to rescue the youth and secure the future.

Beyond security, Soludo affirmed that his administration delivered over 90 percent of its manifesto, citing infrastructure projects like the Ekwulobia flyover and the construction of a new Government House. He stated that the state is now “back to winning ways” with traders back in markets and civil servants at work. Looking ahead, Governor Soludo reiterated his commitment to advancing development across key sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and infrastructure, promising to accelerate efforts and "shift to gear four" to drive prosperity for future generations. His vision includes transforming Anambra into a major economic hub by 2030. He thanked the people of Anambra for their overwhelming support, citing the unprecedented 73 percent of votes as an affirmation of partnership in rebuilding their homeland. Soludo pledged inclusive governance, stating, “Politics is over; it is time for governance. I will continue to be governor for all.”

The inauguration ceremony was attended by a distinguished list of guests, including former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, former Commonwealth Secretary-General Emeka Anyaoku, former governor Chris Ngige, and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, among others. Vice President Shettima concluded his remarks by reaffirming Soludo's courageous and steadfast leadership, assuring that Anambra has every reason to look ahead with hope.