Soludo declares end  to sit-at-home in Onitsha

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

The governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo has said that the traffic gridlock witnessed in Onitsha, marks the end to Monday sit-at-home in the south east region.

The Nations News reports that the governor, Soludo was trapped in a traffic gridlock, while heading to Asaba for the Delta State Economic and Investment Summit 2026 held in Asaba, state capital.

The governor,  Soludo while speaking with newsmen on arrival to the summit arena 15 minutes late, stressed that what it means is that the Monday sit-at-home in the South-East has effectively ended.

“To have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over.”

He further announced his plans for a stronger economic collaboration between Anambra and Delta states, describing the relationship between both states as similar to that of “New York and New Jersey.”

Soludo said that Anambra was developing an economic free trade zone anchored by an aerotropolis and stressed the need for states to pursue regional partnerships.

“We must synergise instead of working in silos.”

He renewed his call for Nigerians to patronise locally made products, revealing that he now wears Akwete fabric almost exclusively.

“I am wearing Akwete. My daughter introduced me to it in 2019, and I have made it my daily uniform,” increased demand for locally manufactured goods could create more than 10 million jobs,” he stated.

Also on the state’s finances, Soludo said his administration had not borrowed since taking office and had declined a World Bank loan to reduce exposure to foreign exchange risks.

He also argued that Nigeria’s macroeconomic outlook was improving, stating that the country’s gross foreign reserves had risen from about $3 billion in 2023 to approximately $52 billion, while net reserves exceeded $40 billion.

Calling for tangible outcomes from investment conferences, Soludo urged participants to focus on implementation.

“Let’s keep it simple. Let’s make investments a habit and not an event,” he said.

The summit also featured presentations from government officials and development experts. 

Director-General, (DG), World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, called for greater economic diversification and investment in digital infrastructure.

On his part, Patrick Lumumba urged African countries to invest more in their own economies and maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori said the state was implementing reforms aimed at attracting both domestic and foreign investment.