Emmanuel Ikpeama.
Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has declared that the Monday sit-at-home in the South-East has effectively come to an end, as he unveiled a bold economic partnership between Anambra and Delta States aimed at accelerating investment, industrialisation and regional prosperity.
Governor Soludo made the declaration while delivering a keynote address at the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026, themed “Harnessing Our Strengths, Unlocking Our Potentials,” where he joined his Delta State counterpart, Sheriff Oborevwori, to champion stronger regional collaboration as a catalyst for economic transformation.
The governor said his late arrival at the summit due to heavy vehicular traffic in Onitsha on a Monday was a powerful indication that commercial activities have fully returned to normal in Anambra.
“To have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over,” Soludo declared, drawing applause from participants, while describing the development as a major victory for security, commerce and the resilience of the people.
He noted that the restoration of economic activities has renewed investor confidence and positioned Anambra as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for business and industrial growth.
Emphasising the need for regional cooperation, Soludo described Anambra and Delta as natural economic partners, comparing their relationship to that of New York and New Jersey in the United States.
According to him, both states possess complementary strengths that, if properly harnessed, can create one of Nigeria’s most vibrant economic corridors.
The governor disclosed that Anambra is already working towards establishing a major economic free trade zone driven by a modern aerotropolis, explaining that the initiative would enhance logistics, manufacturing, trade and investment across the South-East and South-South regions.
He stressed that sub-national governments must move beyond isolated development efforts and embrace strategic partnerships capable of attracting local and foreign investments while creating sustainable jobs.
Soludo also made a passionate case for the patronage of locally produced goods, revealing that he has consistently worn the indigenous Akwete fabric since 2019 after being introduced to it by his daughter.
According to him, if Nigerians deliberately prioritise locally manufactured products, the country could create over 10 million jobs, strengthen indigenous industries and significantly reduce dependence on imported goods.
Highlighting his administration’s prudent financial management, the governor disclosed that Anambra State has not borrowed any funds since he assumed office.
He further revealed that the state deliberately declined a World Bank loan in order to shield its finances from exchange-rate volatility and future debt pressures.
He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s improving macroeconomic outlook, noting that the country’s foreign exchange reserves have risen significantly, providing stronger economic stability and renewed confidence for investors.
Calling for practical outcomes from investment summits, Soludo urged governments, investors and the private sector to move beyond discussions and implement projects capable of generating employment, reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for citizens.
“Let’s keep it simple. Let’s make investments a habit and not an event,” he said, advocating a coordinated national development framework that aligns federal reforms with state-level economic initiatives.
Also speaking at the summit, Taiwo Oyedele said the Federal Government has laid a solid macroeconomic foundation for growth and urged state governments to leverage ongoing reforms to drive industrialisation and economic expansion.
On her part, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala encouraged Nigeria to diversify its economy, strengthen digital connectivity and harness the immense potential of its youthful population, describing herself as “a Nigeria optimist” with confidence in the country’s future.
Renowned Pan-African scholar Prof. Patrick Lumumba also called on African nations to become the primary investors in their own economies through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that regional integration and reliable energy remain critical to Africa’s industrial development.
Earlier, Governor Oborevwori reaffirmed Delta State’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses, describing the state as a prime investment destination with enormous opportunities across agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure and commerce.
Investigator news gathered that the summit brought together top government officials, business leaders, development partners and investors who explored practical strategies for unlocking economic opportunities, deepening regional cooperation and driving sustainable development across Nigeria.
