By Chukwudi George Ozalla
The Anambra State Executive Council has approved three major programmes to mark the second term swearing-in of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and his deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, alongside several infrastructure and security-related projects across the state.
The decisions were taken at the Council’s second meeting of 2026 held on March 2 at the Light House in Awka.
According to a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, the Council approved three principal events for the inauguration of the governor and his deputy for another four-year term in office. The programmes include an interdenominational service scheduled for Sunday, March 15, the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, March 17, and a thanksgiving service billed for Sunday, March 22. Several subcommittees have also been constituted to coordinate activities and ensure the smooth organisation of the events.
The Council also reviewed ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening what the state government described as a campaign for social and moral rebirth across Anambra.
In that regard, the Council evaluated and welcomed the conviction of Anambra-based native doctor Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Ọkụkụ Tiwara Akị, as well as the destruction of his shrine and Oke Ite ritual pots, describing the development as an important step toward restoring social order and moral discipline in the state.
The meeting noted that the initiative reflects the Igbo philosophical principle Aka aja aja na-ebute ọnụ mmanụ mmanụ, which emphasises the value of diligence and honest labour as the pathway to prosperity.
Council also resolved that the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka will henceforth be reserved strictly for official government functions and will no longer be available for private events.
The facility, located within the Light House government complex, has now been designated as an extension of the seat of government, while private ceremonies previously held at the venue will be accommodated at the Multipurpose Arena of the Awka Township Stadium.
The Council further approved the release of funds for several projects considered critical to infrastructure development and public safety.
Among the approvals is the release of N164,396,750.11 as cost overrun on the construction of an IAAF standard five-lane spray system athletics track and natural grass football pitch at the Ekwulobia Stadium Complex, including associated facilities being handled by Phimax Global Enterprises Limited.
Council also approved the release of N72,628,864.59 for road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the 10.043 kilometre newly constructed Afor Nkpor–Eke Obosi Road.
Another approval is the release of N121,948,995.00 for the supply and installation of ten formatted 40-foot containers to be deployed in multiple locations across the state as temporary accommodation for security personnel. The contract was awarded to Achufusi Ventures.
The Council further cleared the release of N172,192,325.77 for the construction of an asphalt surface on the internal dual carriage driveway at the International Convention Centre in Awka.
It also approved N175,388,731.57 for the construction of an asphalt surface on the service lane leading to the Anambra State House of Assembly and the High Court Complex in Awka.
In addition, the contract for road marking and installation of thermoplastic speed bumps along the Afor Nkpor–Eke Obosi Road corridor was awarded to S.N.U. Ventures.
The Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC), chaired by the governor, is the highest policy-making body of the state government and plays a central role in shaping development programmes and administrative decisions across the state.
