The Governor of Anambra State, Gov. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has received three international honours in New York, including the African Governor of the Year Award, during the United Nations General Assembly week.
Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s recognition at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) has been described as a strong validation of his leadership record in Anambra State and his broader role in African governance.
He was presented with the African Public Service Excellence Award, the African Governor of the Year Award, and a special commendation from the South Carolina House of Representatives.
His Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said the accolades prove that the governor’s work is being noticed beyond Nigeria’s borders.
“For those back home in Nigeria who have chosen to peddle perfidious ratings and criticisms about Anambra under Governor Soludo, the latest global validation is telling the true story: Anambra is up there, rising and shining its light,” Mr Aburime said.
Recognition at the Global Power Forum
The awards were conferred during the 2025 Global Power Forum, held on the sidelines of UNGA. Organisers said the honours celebrate leaders who demonstrate “unrelenting commitment to dynamic governance, economic innovation, and sustainable development.”
Governor Soludo also delivered a keynote address at the International Forum on Africa-Caribbean Leadership, titled “Africa Unleashed: Navigating the Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities – the Anambra State Example.”
In his speech, he presented Anambra’s economic and digital transformation as a model for other African regions.
International commendation
Beyond the African-focused awards, the South Carolina House of Representatives issued a certificate of recognition highlighting Soludo’s career trajectory — from his academic achievements as an Economics Professor to his role as Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, where he helped stabilise the banking sector.
The commendation praised his “pivotal role in elevating Nigeria to the status of an African financial powerhouse.”
Critics at home, praise abroad
At home, the Governor has faced criticism from political opponents and independent rating agencies, some of which rank Anambra below expectations.
But Mr Aburime argued that such assessments fail to capture reforms in infrastructure, digital governance, and economic planning.Analysts say the global awards could strengthen Soludo’s political standing in Nigeria and improve investor confidence in Anambra.
Dr Ifeoma Nwosu, a political analyst at the University of Lagos, told BBC News that the recognition shows “a growing appetite for measuring Nigerian leaders by international benchmarks, not just local politics.”
In influential company
The New York event was attended by prominent leaders including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis, Dominican President Sylvanie Burton, and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister Dr Judith Suminwa Tuluka.Observers say Soludo’s presence among such figures highlights his growing profile as a thought leader in global economic and governance circles.
What’s next
Supporters argue the awards will help position Anambra as a hub for innovation and economic reform. Critics, however, say global recognition must translate into visible improvements for citizens at home.
With his administration emphasising infrastructure upgrades and a digital economy, the Governor now faces pressure to ensure international acclaim reflects real change for people in Anambra.