Young Progressives Party (YPP) gubernatorial candidate for the November 8 Anambra election, Sir Paul Chukwuma, has reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the entrepreneurial and resilient spirit that defines the people of Anambra.
In a statement from the Paul Chukwuma SPC Media Office in Awka, Chukwuma described the Anambra identity as rooted in a “can-do” attitude and a culture of self-reliance, innovation, and excellence.
“The Anambra spirit is characterised by its refusal to accept mediocrity. It is a relentless pursuit of excellence. We do not settle for average; we strive to be the best in all our endeavours,” he stated.
He cited the post-civil war recovery of Nnewi as a symbol of this resilience, praising residents who, despite widespread destruction, chose to invest in their homeland and build thriving markets and industries.
“History has vindicated their courageous decision,” he remarked.
Chukwuma said this spirit has placed Anambra at the forefront of entrepreneurship and human capital development in Nigeria, noting that the people have long built roads, schools, and hospitals through community efforts without relying on government support.
“This kind of innovation calls for a visionary and responsive government that is equally committed to progress,” he added.
Referencing his own record, Chukwuma highlighted his role in building roads in his hometown of Nneye, Umueri, over five years ago, saying the project was undertaken not for political gain but to inspire practical solutions to local challenges.
He criticised Governor Charles Soludo’s administration, accusing it of underperformance despite having access to significant resources.
“After three years, the Soludo government’s most notable achievements amount to a few poorly executed road projects. This is unacceptable. Anambra deserves far better. We cannot allow our future to be defined by inertia and empty promises,” he declared.
Chukwuma called for a shift in priorities towards economic productivity, warning that many young Anambra talents are migrating to western Nigeria in search of opportunities.
“We cannot continue exporting our brightest minds while the government focuses on amusement parks. This must end,” he said.
Outlining his economic agenda, Chukwuma proposed reforms focused on energy, manufacturing clusters, and private-sector innovation. He referenced his early 2024 visit to Geometric Power in Aba, describing it as a model for replicating private-sector-led energy solutions in Anambra.
“What Anambra needs are large-scale industries that create jobs, generate wealth, and boost internally generated revenue. We must end the era of revenue-by-extortion and the Agbero system that harasses citizens under the current administration,” he stated.
He accused the Soludo-led government of being overwhelmed by governance challenges and of abandoning the state’s industrious values.
“The current leadership has lost connection with the Anambra spirit. It is time for bold, youthful, ambitious, and effective leadership, leadership that leads by action, not rhetoric,” Chukwuma said.
He urged Ndi Anambra to support the YPP at the polls, positioning himself as the candidate of tangible results.
“I am not a politician of words; I am a man of action, excellence, and tangible results. Let us reclaim the Anambra spirit and make real change happen. Vote YPP for a government that truly reflects our values and aspirations,” he concluded.
PIAK