Lamido of Africa Backs Governor Soludo, Promises Education, Youth Empowerment
By Ukpa Ewa
Chief Chinedu Nwoye Oba, popularly known as Lamido of Africa, has expressed full support for Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s administration. He made this know during an event where he was honoured as Patron of the Association of Non-Indigenes in Anambra State (ANIAS).
The recognition came during a courtesy visit by ANIAS stakeholders to Chief Oba at Ukpo, Dunukofia Local Government Area, where the association also unveiled its flagship programme, “Education For Our Future”. The initiative, in partnership with the Anambra State government, seeks to remove children from the streets and reintegrate them into formal education while addressing rising social vices linked to school dropouts, such as cultism and youth criminality.
In his address, the ANIAS President, Prince Chigozie Nweke, explained that the programme would be implemented through churches, mosques, and community engagement, with focus on education and skills acquisition. He emphasized the importance of creating a comprehensive database of non-indigenes in the state to enhance security, aid identification and support government efforts in crime prevention.
On their part, representatives from northern and Ebonyi communities, including Dr. Balami Daniel, and ANIAS Youth Leader, Comrade Godwin Otu, commended the peaceful coexistence in Anambra State and pledged their commitment to discouraging criminality while contributing positively to the state’s development.
Responding, Chief Oba lauded ANIAS for adopting a data-driven, education-focused approach to security, describing it as strategic and timely. He praised Governor Soludo’s leadership and reiterated his support for the administration. Chief Oba also highlighted his philanthropic efforts, including sponsoring over 100 students from university entry to graduation and supporting healthcare initiatives, with plans to establish world-class hospitals and community dispensaries across the three senatorial zones in Anambra State.
Those in attendance included Mr. Kinsley Ezika, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security and Anti-Cultism; Comrade Taiwo Ogunshola, Vice President of the Hotel Association in Anambra State; and members of the ANIAS Elders Council, all of whom commended the initiative and called for sustained collaboration between government, host communities and non-indigenes.
