Governor Charles Soludo says his administration will prioritise accelerated development and security of residents in 2025.

He said this in his New Year message on Wednesday.

The governor said the dawn of 2025 brought refreshed hope and unprecedented opportunities for accelerated transformation in Anambra, especially with the signing into law of the 2025 appropriation bill of N607 billion.

“The 2025 budget will mark a significant milestone in our administration’s journey toward building a prosperous smart mega state. The comprehensive budget reflects our administration’s uncompromising dedication to transforming Anambra State through strategic investments in critical sectors.

“The focus remains on infrastructure development, economic transformation and human capital development, with substantial allocation to education, healthcare, road construction and others,” Mr Soludo said.

The governor announced that ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ (Operation Peace Shall Reign) would be launched on January 25 to strengthen the security of lives and property in Anambra.

He explained that the initiative would deploy more than 200 security vehicles across the state for enhanced surveillance and stop-and-search operations.

“At the same time, the state government is strengthening forest security through specialised training of forest guards, in collaboration with local vigilantes and local government authorities.

“We have extended an olive branch to repentant criminal elements in the state by offering an amnesty window until the end of February. This demonstrates our commitment to peace and reconciliation,” he said.

Mr Soludo, therefore, urged stakeholders, especially the political class, to maintain peace and decorum throughout the electoral process as the state entered the election year.

According to him, the state’s future depends on a selfless and collective commitment to peaceful and orderly conduct during the period.

He reaffirmed his dedication to fulfilling the promises outlined in the 2025 budget and urged residents to support the government in building a prosperous and smart state.

“I pray that the New Year brings peace, progress and prosperity to residents of the state,” he said.

(NAN)