The appointments take immediate effect, according to a statement signed by Mr. Christian Aburime, the chief press secretary to the Governor.

The reappointment underscores the administration’s commitment to continuity, innovation, and the sustained development of Anambra State’s digital economy and technology ecosystem.

Under Mr. Agbata’s leadership, the Agency has played a central role in advancing digital infrastructure, promoting tech-enabled governance, and strengthening Anambra’s position as an emerging hub for innovation and ICT development.

In addition to this, the Governor also approved leadership appointments for key state agencies.

Mr. Emeka Okonkwo (Konti) has been reappointed as Managing Director of the Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA), while Mr. Osita Onuko has also been reappointed as Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).

Both officials previously served in the same capacities during the Governor’s first tenure, and their reappointment reflects continuity in leadership as well as sustained confidence in their performance and institutional experience.

Governor Soludo charged all appointees to bring renewed energy, professionalism, and a strong results-oriented approach to their respective agencies, in line with his administration’s vision of building a livable and prosperous smart mega city.

The push, championed by Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, signals a shift toward smarter, faster and more citizen-focused public service delivery.

Speaking during an interactive session with media executives in Lagos, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata (CFA), the managing director, Anambra State ICT Agency, explained that the administration’s digital-first approach is reshaping how government engages citizens and delivers services.

Agbata said the Soludo administration is intentional about embedding technology into governance at scale.

“Governor Soludo’s vision is clear, a smarter, faster, more efficient government driven by data, innovation and citizen-focused digital tools,” he said.

Agbata noted that the state has adopted extensive data analytics to improve planning, service delivery and overall decision-making.

He explained that AI-driven analytics are now helping the government understand citizen needs, plan interventions and monitor impact more effectively.

He mentioned that the state’s previous use of data modelling in political engagement demonstrated the power of structured data but stressed that the real goal is institutionalising data culture across government, not just elections.

“We sit on rich datasets today; from demographic insights to service requests, and we are using them to build a more responsive government,” he said.

The ICT boss highlighted the state’s work on conversational AI systems that will allow citizens to interact with government easily, even in local languages.

“Whether literate or illiterate, people should soon be able to speak to AI in an indigenous language and have their requests processed,” he said.

“That’s where governance is going, and Anambra intends to lead.”

Highlighting Broadband Expansion as one of the biggest wins of Governor Soludo’s administration, Agbata emphasised that broadband penetration remains central to achieving the state’s digital agenda.

He credited Governor Soludo’s progressive Right-of-Way policy and proactive industry engagement for accelerating fibre deployment across communities.

“When ISPs begin travelling to Anambra on their own, it shows they see good policy and a viable market,” he said.

Today, more households in semi-urban communities are enjoying reliable fibre connections something CFA said was almost impossible in previous years..

CFA also disclosed that Anambra continues to pursue the establishment of an Internet Exchange Point to localise traffic and reduce cost while improving speed.

“Localising traffic means your data won’t travel to Lagos or Amsterdam before returning,” he explained. He noted that although technical requirements have caused delays, significant progress is expected in 2026.

Agbata added that national assessments have recognised Anambra’s advancement in digitisation and reforms. “According to BudgIT and other national bodies, Anambra ranks number one in the Southeast in ease of doing business and transparency,” he said.

He attributed the growth to healthy inter-state competition and measurable reforms championed by Governor Soludo.

Agbata praised the young professionals powering the state’s digital work, particularly in data analytics and infrastructure mapping.

He also highlighted the vital role of industry partnerships:

“Relationships matter. If we fully deploy just 20% of the relationships we have within and outside the country, Anambra would be on another level.”

He cited instances where collaboration with telecom executives led to quick fixes and infrastructure deployment in the state.

Agbata thanked the Lagos media community for their continuous support in making the Anambra’s digital revolution seen and appreciated by all.

“We don’t take your support for granted. You have helped amplify Anambra’s digital transformation story,” he said.

As Anambra deepens investments in digital infrastructure, AI systems and data-driven governance, Agbata said the state is positioning itself as the emerging technology and innovation hub of the Southeast.

“There is a generation coming that is digital-first. Our responsibility is to build systems ready for them,” he said.

According to the report — a collaborative effort between Nigerian Panorama and the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS) — Anambra ranks alongside Lagos and Enugu as the leading states in adopting and implementing e-governance practices that foster accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery.

In his remarks, Professor Anthony Kila, director of CIAPS, emphasized the importance of e-governance in shaping how governments interact with citizens.

“The centrality of e-governance allows us to assess the performance of state governments in the country. How the government treats the digital world says a lot about them,” he said.

The report evaluated states based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including website security, up-to-date content, public engagement, availability of online services, policy updates, and user accessibility.

Anambra’s performance reflects the state’s deliberate investment in digital infrastructure and its commitment to leveraging technology as a tool for inclusive governance.

Reacting to the recognition, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the managing director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, described the report as a welcome validation of the efforts being made under the leadership of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, to reposition Anambra as a liveable and prosperous smart mega-city.

“This is not just about being tech-savvy,” Agbata said. “It’s about using digital tools to create real impact — making the government more accessible, responsive, and transparent. Anambra is building a digital future that works for everyone.”

The CGPI Report recommended that all states intensify efforts to train public servants, maintain digital platforms effectively, and build user-friendly systems that keep citizens informed and empowered. For Anambra, this recognition serves both as a milestone and a motivation to scale new heights.

As the journey continues, Anambra remains focused on setting the pace for e-governance in Nigeria in line with the Governor’s mantra of Everything Technology & Technology Everywhere.

The Innovation district which is a one-stop shop for youths in the areas of innovation, technology and entrepreneurship, will provide training, incubation, and access to investment to spur the growth of the startup ecosystem in the State.

The district provides access to high-speed internet, steady power supply, conducive and serene environment for innovators, creators, the digital tribe to thrive.

Performing the function, Governor Soludo congratulated the 20,000 Anambra youths who recently participated in the initial training programme of the Solution Innovation District, ‘LevelUp Anambra’ for acquiring various digital skills online. 

The Governor thanked Microsoft and Wootlab Foundation for partnering with the State government to make the program a reality, revealing that the current Government House will become the permanent site of the Solution Innovation District once he moves into the new government house currently under construction. 

He added that Solution Innovation District is a sign of the state government’s commitment to developing Anambra youths.

“The world may be going east or west, but Nigeria must go through necessary disruptive changes. The removal of subsidy and floating of exchange rate are just some of these changes. It is quite auspicious that we are opening this district at this critical time.

“Our greatest resource is our human capital, and we want to mine it to its infinite elasticity. Only those who can see tomorrow. Only those who plan and work towards it, can control the future. I ask our youths to look up to opportunities in these ongoing disruptive changes.

“In a digital age, human capital appreciates with continuous usage. We must keep on innovating and acquiring multiple scalable skills to control the future.

“We want the youths and children of ndi Anambra to be prepared for this future- invention, innovation, and technology,” Governor Soludo said.

“We must focus on tomorrow. The old order is gone, so let’s not cry to bring it back. We are empowering and training our youths to control the future and become champions of the world.

“Technology is our mantra. We want to get technology to become our culture. Everything technology and technology everywhere!

“The 0.01 criminals that cause nuisance in our society cannot define us. They are completely insignificant,” the Governor stressed.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Innovation and Business Incubation, Ms Chinwe Okoli thanked the Governor for his commitment in actualizing the vision which she explained is quite timely.

“Solution Innovation District is a platform for you to innovate, create, ideate, invent and to give your talents the wings to fly. Yes, many of you here are bundle of talents. You can create wonderful solutions and guess what? Now is the time with S.I.D. Solution Innovation District is a place where you Think outside the box, think even without a box, Think big and Explore your immense potentials. 

“At SID, we provide you steady power supply, high speed internet, basic amenities, clean and conducive office space for you to focus on building your dream solutions across sectors.”

“SID program includes business incubation, digital skills training, business acceleration, angel investment, outsourcing of the best talents out of Anambra. We also have plans to democratize innovation through schools and SID mini hubs in various locations”

The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Agha Mba and the Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu respectively said that the district is in line with Governor Soludo’s commitment to develop Anambra youths.

Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, the Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Barr. Theodora Okwy Igwegbe, Head of Service, Chinedu Nwoye (Glamour), Chief Protocol Officer, and other Members of Anambra State Executive Council, Members of Anambra State House of Assembly, Transition Committee Chairmen, among others attended the event.