Anambra Assembly confirms Soludo’s 16 commissioner nominees

The Anambra State House of Assembly has confirmed all 16 commissioner nominees presented by Governor Chukwuma Soludo following their screening by lawmakers in Awka.

The confirmation was carried out during plenary on Wednesday after the adoption of a report by the House Committee on Screening and Electoral Matters.

Presenting the report, the Deputy Speaker and Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Chukwuma Okoye, said the nominees were found suitable after what he described as a “rigorous two-day screening exercise”.

He told the House that all 16 nominees met the constitutional and professional requirements for appointment into the State Executive Council.

“The committee carefully screened the nominees over two days and found them proficient, qualified and capable of serving in the State Executive Council,” he said.

The confirmed commissioners and their portfolios are as follows: Agriculture – Dr Ben Chuks Odoemena; Budget and Economic Planning – Mr Chukwukadibia Okoye; Culture, Entertainment and Tourism – Mr Udoji Amedu; Education – Dr Ekene Ogugua; Environment – Dr Clem Aguiyi; Health – Dr Afam Obidike; Information and Value Reorientation – Dr Law Mefor; Lands – Prof Offornze Amucheazi (SAN); Local Government and Community Affairs – Barr Vin Ezeaka; Petroleum and Mineral Resources – Prof Charles Ofoegbu; Physical Planning and Urban Development – Barr Chijioke Oseloka Ojukwu; Power – Engr Casmir Chinenye Agummadu; Works and Infrastructure – Arc Okey Ezeobi; Transport – Hon Eddy Ibuzo; Women Affairs and Social Development – Mrs Esther Onyekesi; and Youth Development and Sports – Mr Patrick Agha.

In his remarks after the confirmation, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, said the development marked the beginning of what he described as a “new era of service delivery” in the state.

“This is not just a constitutional procedure. It is about leadership, responsibility and service to the people of Anambra State,” he said.

He urged the new commissioners to focus on governance that directly impacts citizens, warning against bureaucracy and indifference.

“Go back to your ministries and work for the people. Be accessible, be accountable, and ensure that governance is felt at the grassroots,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Dr Law Mefor, expressed appreciation to the House of Assembly for what he called a transparent screening process.

“We are grateful for the thorough screening and the confidence reposed in us. We also thank Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the trust placed in us to serve the people of Anambra State,” he said.

The confirmation clears the way for the inauguration of the new State Executive Council.