Building a Sustainable Legacy: Why Soludo Should Establish the Department of Public Affairs and the Anambra Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies‎‎ By Clem Aguiyi.

‎‎WhatsApp: 0803 474 7898 ‎‎The contest for political leadership in Anambra State has once again revealed the chronic deficit of strategic thinking and policy direction among many who seek to govern our beloved state. As we approach the November 8th gubernatorial elections, the rallies and campaign outings of rival candidates have exposed what has sadly become a recurring decimal in Nigerian politics: loud rhetoric devoid of substance, hollow promises without plans, and the dangerous elevation of opportunism above vision. I also observed that Soludo’s achievements are under reported. As such, he does not get his due credit.‎‎One candidate, in a most embarrassing display, suggested that the Light House , that’s the new Government House in Awka should be converted into a hotel, with proceeds used to feed the hungry—a simplistic and myopic proposition that not only trivializes governance but also insults the collective intelligence of Ndi Anambra. Another candidate could muster nothing more than chorusing “on my mandate I shall stand,” turning serious political engagement into mere entertainment. ‎Another offered to provide the women with brazziers for firmer breasts. None offered a manifesto, none articulated policy goals, and none demonstrated a grasp of the immense challenges and opportunities facing Anambra. These theatrics underscore the urgent need for an enduring solution to the intellectual poverty of our political class.‎‎This essay therefore proposes that Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the incumbent Governor of Anambra State and a man widely respected for his intellectual pedigree, pragmatic vision, and capacity for transformational leadership, should consider establishing an Anambra Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies (AIPSS). Such an institute will serve as a think-tank, a training hub, and a policy research center dedicated to preparing politicians, civil servants, and law enforcement officers for the strategic demands of governance in Anambra and beyond. By institutionalizing such a legacy, Soludo would not only secure his place in history as a reformer but also ensure that governance in Anambra remains an intellectual and strategic enterprise rather than an avenue for opportunistic adventure‎‎Politics is not theatre, though it often borrows its drama. Politics is not mere rhetoric, though oratory can give it force. Politics, at its core, is about problem-solving, resource management, visioning, and the disciplined implementation of policies that uplift society. Yet, as the November 8th campaigns have exposed, too many who aspire to political office in Anambra lack the training, preparation, and even the humility to acknowledge what governance entails.‎‎Their campaign outings have been bereft of manifestos; their words lack policy depth; their promises are shallow, and their presentations amount to comic relief. This abysmal performance is not unique to this election cycle—it is symptomatic of a deeper malaise that has haunted Nigerian politics for decades: a political class recruited from the ranks of opportunistic adventurers,rather than serious thinkers.‎‎Besides engaging stakeholders on Soludo’s policies , it had become imperative that we begin to deliberately prepare those who aspire to leadership, subjecting them to rigorous training in policy, strategy, governance, social contract with the peopel and public ethics. This is where an Anambra Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies becomes indispensable.‎‎The proposed institute will not be another bureaucratic appendage or a ceremonial establishment. It should be designed as a premier centre for good governance innovation, policy research, and leadership development, with the following key objectives:‎‎Political Preparation and Orientation: The centre will train aspiring politicians, irrespective of political parties, in the basics of policy development, governance strategy, fiscal management, and sectoral policy‎‎This will ensure that no candidate presents themselves to Ndi Anambra without the discipline of strategic thinking and a tested grasp of public administration.‎‎Civil and Law Enforcement Orientation: Offer mandatory orientation for senior civil servants and law enforcement officers posted to Anambra State, aligning them with the “Anambra Vision”—the dream of transforming Anambra into Taiwan and Dubai of Africa. Instil values of discipline, efficiency, and accountability.‎‎Policy Research and Think-Tank Role: Conduct forward-looking research into the future needs of Anambra State: economic diversification, urban development, climate resilience, education, digital economy, and security.‎‎Provide continuous policy advice to the government on implementation strategies.‎‎Strategic Leadership Development: Train a new cadre of political leaders who approach governance as a sacred duty, not a chance for rent-seeking.‎‎Groom future leaders of Anambra who will be ambassadors of excellence wherever they serve in Nigeria and abroad.‎‎Such an institute would serve as a firewall against opportunistic adventurers gaining access to leadership positions. By institutionalizing the intellectual preparation of leaders, it would guarantee that the Anambra of tomorrow is guided by visionaries, not jesters.‎‎It is no coincidence that the idea of such an institute is most fitting under the stewardship of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo. His career trajectory speaks to the power of intellectual preparation for leadership. As a world-renowned economist, a former Central Bank Governor, and now as the Governor of Anambra State, Soludo has demonstrated the critical role of ideas in governance.‎‎His vision of making Anambra a “Taiwan-Dubai of Africa” is not mere rhetoric but a policy framework backed by strategic actions in infrastructure, digital economy, education reform, and industrial development. His government has flagged off projects and implemented reforms that reflect seriousness and foresight, not opportunism.‎‎Soludo, unlike his opponents, understands that governance is not a stage play. He has lived a life of ideas, discipline, and results. By establishing the Anambra Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies, he would extend this ethos beyond his tenure, leaving an everlasting legacy that ensures Ndi Anambra will always have leaders prepared for the demands of governance.‎‎The dividends of such an institute are manifold:‎‎End of Policy Illiteracy: Never again will a candidate mount the podium in Anambra without articulating a coherent manifesto. Imagine in 2025 Anambra having a candidate that is offering to procure brazier to firm the fallen breast of women? Never again!‎‎Alignment of Bureaucracy: Civil servants and law enforcement officers will be trained to align with Anambra’s developmental vision, reducing friction and enhancing efficiency.‎‎Future-Proofing Governance: By conducting continuous research, the institute will keep Anambra ahead of challenges such as climate change, population growth, and global economic shifts.‎‎Exporting Leadership: Anambra will become a net exporter of well-prepared political leaders and administrators to Nigeria and Africa, just as Taiwan and Dubai export their models of excellence.‎‎While Professor Soludo is the visionary with the capacity to establish such a legacy institution, the responsibility also falls on us, the electorates. On November 8th, Ndi Anambra must rise above the distractions of empty slogans and baseless rants. We must reject the opportunists who trivialize governance, who see leadership as a joke, and who come to the podium empty-handed.‎‎Our duty is to renew Soludo’s mandate, not merely for what he has done but for what he is capable of institutionalizing. With our votes, we can empower him to establish a legacy institute that will outlive his tenure and serve generations unborn.‎‎Anambra stands at a crossroads. We can either continue to allow opportunistic adventurers to trivialize our politics with shallow promises and theatrical performances, or we can embrace a future of disciplined, visionary governance. Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo has already demonstrated that he is a man of ideas, capacity, and vision.‎‎By establishing the Anambra Institute for Policy and Strategy Studies, he would give our state a permanent shield against policy illiteracy, a beacon of leadership excellence, and a think-tank that continuously drives our developmental aspirations. This would be a befitt legacy—a legacy greater than roads, buildings, or monuments, for it would be the gift of knowledge, preparation, and leadership capacity.‎‎On November 8th, let us, the electorates of Anambra, make the wise choice. Let us renew Soludo’s mandate and empower him to build the institutional foundation that will forever set Anambra apart. For in this institute lies the future of our politics, the future thinkers that drive our political narratives the integrity of our governance, and the destiny of generations yet unborn.