JUST IN: What Soludo Said To Anambra Retirees

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has pledged that all outstanding gratuity payments owed to retired civil servants in the state will be fully cleared by the end of August 2025, a move that has been widely welcomed as a long-overdue commitment to public service retirees.

The governor made this announcement on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Local Government Service Commission Week, held in Awka, the state capital.

The event, themed “Enhancing Effective Service Delivery in the Local Government System: The Solution Agenda,” brought together key stakeholders from across the state’s public service sector.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Soludo disclosed that his administration had already made significant progress in settling past arrears.

“Let me announce that gratuity payments have been made to all retirees from our administration.

We have successfully cleared gratuity arrears from 2018 to 2020.

“I assure you that the remaining unpaid gratuity will be completed by the end of August.

This is to show that we recognize the workforce as the live wire of government,” he stated to loud applause.

This assurance is seen as a major relief to hundreds of retired civil servants and their families, many of whom have faced years of financial uncertainty due to delayed entitlements.

The gratuity backlog, which accumulated over previous administrations, has been a source of tension and protest across Anambra in recent years.

Governor Soludo used the occasion to emphasize his administration’s commitment to building a professional, technology-driven workforce.

According to him, this is particularly at the local government level, the closest tier of governance to the people.

“Our government is working to ensure that workers deliver services fit for purpose and driven by technology,” he said.

He reaffirmed that the state’s development strategy remains anchored in innovation and modernization.

He also reminded civil servants and public administrators that the success of any government lies in the hands of its workforce.

“This is in line with our administration mantra of ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere’,” he added.

Soludo’s remarks were met with appreciation from stakeholders present at the event.

Many of them believe that his governance style reflects a genuine focus on systemic reform and people-centered leadership.

Also speaking at the event, Mr. Vin Ezeaka, Chairman of the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, echoed the governor’s sentiments.

He reaffirmed the commission’s dedication to aligning with the administration’s goals of effective service delivery and modernization.

Ezeaka also used the opportunity to express strong institutional support for Governor Soludo’s potential second-term bid.

He noted that the commission was not only committed to ensuring top-tier performance in the local government system but also stood solidly behind the governor’s re-election aspirations.

“The event,” Ezeaka said, “was also held to declare the commission’s support for the governor’s bid for a second term.”

Soludo’s administration, since taking office, has consistently promoted technology integration, civil service reform, and transparency.

Under his leadership, the mantra “Solution Agenda” has become more than just a slogan, it has evolved into a framework for restructuring governance across sectors.

For residents of Anambra, particularly those in rural communities who rely heavily on local government services, this renewed focus on workforce empowerment and service delivery is encouraging.

For retired civil servants, many of whom devoted decades of their lives to public service, the commitment to clear outstanding gratuities by August represents not just a financial settlement, but also an affirmation of their worth and dignity.

In a state with a long history of vibrant civic engagement and high expectations for political leaders, Soludo’s pledge is expected to set a benchmark for other governors across Nigeria.

This is especially as public pressure mounts for greater accountability and responsiveness in governance.

As preparations begin for the next political cycle, the alignment between improved public service delivery and political ambition appears to be gaining traction.

For many in Anambra, the hope is that this momentum will be sustained, not just as a campaign promise, but as a permanent feature of governance.

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