Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has sworn in the newly elected Mayors of the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, charging them to regard their positions as a call to service.
The ceremony, held at the Light House, Awka, on Saturday, was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, members of the State Executive Council and other government officials.
The swearing-in was administered by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Tochukwu Nweke, SAN, while the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Barr. Vincent Ezeaka, presented the new Mayors to the Governor.
Congratulating the council chiefs, Soludo also commiserated with them over the responsibilities that come with their new offices, stressing that the clock had started ticking from the moment they took their oath.
“Congratulations and my commiserations to all of you as well. I know that when you were applying for the job, you had all manner of aspirations, promises and expectations. Welcome to the world of reality and the clock starts ticking today.
The work has already begun,” the Governor said.
He urged the Mayors to take their oath of office seriously, review it regularly and, where possible, display it prominently in their offices as a constant reminder of their responsibilities.
Soludo advised the new council leaders to operate strictly within established processes, rules and laws, while encouraging them to pursue innovation within the boundaries of the law.
He also urged them to study the handover notes from their predecessors carefully, paying particular attention to the assets and liabilities inherited by their respective administrations.
The Governor further challenged the Mayors to work towards making the local government system more sustainable, noting that recent laws provide room for councils to pool resources for the effective management of common financial obligations.
Recalling the governing All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)’s motto, “Be your brother’s and sister’s keeper,” Soludo urged the Mayors to ensure that no section of their communities was left behind.
He also reminded them that the present administration inherited a political structure built by those who served before them, stressing that they had a responsibility to strengthen the system for those who would come after them.
The inauguration followed the local government election held on August 29, 2026.
The newly sworn-in Mayors and their respective Local Government Areas are:
Aguata — Kingsley Ezeagu
Anambra East — Ifeanyi Chinweze
Anambra West — Tony Obierika
Anaocha — Paulinus Okafor
Awka North — Thankgod Anago
Awka South — Chinedu Okafor
Ayamelum — Mgbechi Igwebuike
Dunukofia — Clement Ozumba
Ekwusigo — Ifeanyi Onuchukwu
Idemili North — Stanley Nkwoka
Idemili South — Oluchukwu Ilogbenam
Ihiala — Anayo Orjiakor
Njikoka — Ikechukwu Okakpu
Nnewi North — Anazodo Echezona
Nnewi South — Ezeogidi Vangeroge
Ogbaru — Nnamdi Ifejika
Onitsha North — Ibekwe Albert
Onitsha South — Peter Moufunanya
Orumba North — Chinonso Nwafor
Orumba South — Mufunanya Ikechukwu
Oyi — John Igbem
Speaking in separate interviews after the ceremony, the Mayors of Anaocha and Idemili North pledged to deliver on the mandates given to them by the electorate.
Angel Network News (ANN) reports that Anambra state government is also expected to organise orientation retreats for the new council heads to acquaint them with governance procedures, resource management and compliance with state laws as they begin their tenure.
