By Chidimma Ajemba
As the second term of Charles Chukwuma Soludo as Governor of Anambra State begins, expectations among citizens remain understandably high. The early signals from the administration—particularly the announcement of key appointments—have generated optimism and renewed public interest in the direction of governance over the next four years.
One of the most commendable aspects of the governor’s initial appointments is the deliberate inclusion of women, particularly young women, in strategic leadership positions. This move reflects a progressive approach to governance and signals recognition of the immense capacity young women possess to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.
Notably, the appointment of Chiamaka Nnake as Secretary to the State Government marks a significant milestone, making her the first woman to occupy the role in the state’s history. Equally inspiring is the appointment of Chinwe Okoli as Special Adviser on Innovation and Business Incubation, as well as Chief Executive Officer of the Solution Innovation District. These young professionals represent the growing opportunities for women to shape governance and innovation in Anambra. Their emergence in leadership further reinforces the narrative that the state is gradually embracing merit, youth participation, and gender inclusion.
However, as excitement continues to build around the new administration, it is equally important to draw attention to another crucial aspect of inclusive governance that appears to have received limited attention during the governor’s first tenure—the representation and participation of persons with disabilities.
While there were one or two individuals with disabilities who received appointments in the previous administration, their portfolios were not widely visible within the broader governance structure. This created a noticeable gap in the broader vision of inclusion and representation envisioned by the Anambra State Disability Rights Law 2018. The law itself was enacted to promote equality, protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and ensure that they are not excluded from governance and public life.
Some observers may point to the existence of the Anambra State Disability Rights Commission as evidence of the government’s commitment to disability inclusion. While the establishment of the commission was a positive step, questions remain about its operational capacity and sustainability. Reports indicate that the tenure of the commission’s members expired last year, and since then there has been no official reappointment or restructuring to ensure continuity. In addition, concerns have been raised about the lack of financial support necessary for the commission to function effectively, including the non-payment of its initial setup allowances.
For institutions designed to protect vulnerable communities to perform optimally, they must be given both administrative backing and adequate resources. Without these, their impact will inevitably remain limited.
Beyond institutional structures, meaningful inclusion also requires representation at the highest levels of government. Appointing qualified persons with disabilities into executive or advisory positions can significantly enrich policymaking. Their lived experiences provide valuable perspectives that can help ensure that government programmes, infrastructure projects, and social policies are designed to accommodate everyone.
In many instances, public projects and programmes rolled out across sectors—such as health, transportation, and education—often overlook accessibility considerations. This is rarely intentional. More often, it occurs because persons with disabilities are not part of the planning process from the outset. Inclusion at the decision-making table can therefore help prevent such gaps and strengthen the overall effectiveness of government initiatives.
As the new term begins, there is a valuable opportunity for the administration to deepen its commitment to inclusive governance. Identifying and appointing competent individuals with disabilities—whether within the state or in the diaspora—could further strengthen the state’s reputation as a leader in progressive governance.
It is worth noting that persons with disabilities form an active and engaged segment of the population. Many participated enthusiastically in the last election, supporting the governor’s vision for a more prosperous and forward-looking Anambra. Their aspirations are not rooted in charity but in the desire for equal opportunity, independence, and meaningful participation in the development of their state.
True inclusion means ensuring that persons with disabilities are not limited to disability-focused institutions alone but are also represented across different ministries and sectors where their expertise and perspectives can contribute to policy innovation.
Encouragingly, the humanitarian efforts of the governor’s wife, Nonye Soludo, particularly her advocacy and outreach toward persons with disabilities over the past four years, have demonstrated empathy and a genuine commitment to building a more inclusive society. These efforts provide a strong moral foundation upon which broader institutional inclusion can be built.
As Governor Soludo embarks on the journey of his second term, the expectations of Ndi Anambra remain high. The administration has already taken notable steps toward gender inclusion. Extending that same commitment to disability inclusion would further strengthen the legacy of this government and ensure that no segment of society is left behind.
Ultimately, inclusive governance is not merely about representation; it is about harnessing the diverse talents and perspectives of all citizens in the collective task of building a more equitable and prosperous Anambra.
Once again, congratulations to the governor and his team on the commencement of a new term. With thoughtful leadership and inclusive policies, the hope remains that Anambra will continue to rise.
By Chidimma Ajemba
Disability Rights Advocate and Public Affairs Writer