Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has declared that his administration is tackling insecurity from the root by going after those influencing young people into crime—including fake pastors and native doctors.
Speaking at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia after receiving a Vanguard award for good governance, Soludo explained that his security strategy is not just about chasing criminals but dismantling the systems that produce them.
“When I became governor, seven local governments were under the control of non-state actors. Today, the situation has improved, but we are digging even deeper to uproot the influences driving crime,” he stated.
Following the recent passage of the Homeland Security Law, the state launched the Udo Ga Achi security outfit, with Agunechemba as its operational arm. This unit has already begun arresting self-proclaimed spiritual leaders who allegedly deceive youths into pursuing criminal activities under the guise of supernatural wealth and protection.
Soludo criticized religious charlatans promising prosperity without effort, saying, “Some claim they can make people rich, yet they themselves survive on thanksgiving offerings. They deceive our youths into believing they can evade security checkpoints with hard drugs, only for them to land in prisons worldwide.”
He added that security operatives are now targeting these figures who mislead young people. “If they have such powers, let them make all Anambra people millionaires,” he quipped.
Beyond security, the governor highlighted his administration’s achievements, including:
Healthcare: Free antenatal care and delivery services, five new general hospitals, and over 1,000 newly employed medical professionals.
Education: Free education from nursery to secondary school, and a recruitment drive that hired 5,000 teachers.
Infrastructure: Over 750 km of roads under construction, with 400 km completed.
Economy & Digital Expansion: A fiber optic network project to make Anambra a digital hub, plus the One Youth, Two Skills program, which has empowered 5,000 young entrepreneurs.
“People laughed when I promised to create 1,000 millionaires a year,” Soludo said. “Now, 1,000 of those we’ve empowered are already training others. We’re building a future where wealth is earned through hard work, not fraud.”
As Anambra continues its transformation, the governor reassured residents: “We’re just getting started. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
