Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, has said Nigeria’s long-term progress depends on merit, competence and shared civic values rather than ethnic or religious identity.
Speaking at an interdenominational thanksgiving service marking the completion of his first four-year term in office, Soludo said sustainable national development requires judging citizens by their capacity to contribute to governance and nation-building.
The service was held at the Anambra International Conference Centre in Awka, southeast Nigeria.
“We cannot develop this nation or Anambra State by seeing one another through the lens of how we worship,” Soludo said. “What matters are the values we bring and the capacity we have to serve the state and the country.”
The governor said his administration has consistently prioritised merit and competence in public appointments and recruitment, regardless of religion, ethnicity or geographical origin.
Soludo cited the recent recruitment of more than 1,800 teachers and healthcare workers as an example of what he described as a merit-based approach to governance.
“The employment of these teachers and healthcare workers was based strictly on the value they can add to public service, not their place of origin or religious affiliation,” he said.
He also emphasised his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance and inclusion, noting that he recently joined members of the Muslim community in the state for a Ramadan fast-breaking event, which he said reflected the importance of interfaith harmony.
The Thanksgiving service itself, he added, demonstrated the government’s support for ecumenism, cooperation among different Christian denominations.
The gathering brought together Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal leaders and worshippers, following earlier engagements with Pentecostal groups at the Government House.
Soludo said the display of unity among the Christian denominations was deeply moving and symbolised the shared purpose required to advance the state.
Reflecting on his entry into politics, the governor said he sought divine guidance before asking for the mandate of the people of Anambra.
“I prayed to God for wisdom to do what is right, irrespective of how people might perceive my decisions,” he said, expressing gratitude for what he described as divine mercy and grace throughout his first term.
The event brought together religious leaders, government officials and residents in what organisers described as a symbolic show of unity as Soludo prepares to begin a second term leading the southeastern Nigerian state.