Anambra State Governor Calls for United African Front During 12th Annual Zik Lecture Series
Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State reaffirms his commitment to the realization of a Unified Africa during recent statement.
Mary Nwaeze 
In a recent address at the 12th Annual Zik Lecture Series held at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, reiterated his vision for a United States of Africa. Emphasizing the need for African leaders to collaborate in achieving this goal, he urged them to work together to confront challenges posed by the West.
Speaking on the theme, "Reclaiming Zik’s World: Climate Justice and Africa’s Sustainable Development," Soludo asserted that individual African nations would be more effective in making a statement on the global stage if they united. He stressed that a collective effort is necessary to address issues facing the continent, advocating for a strong, united Africa.
During the event, former Malawian President, Dr. Joyce Banda, delivered the keynote address and was lauded by Soludo as a feminist. The governor commended her for being the first woman to deliver the lecture, highlighting the prominence of women in Anambra State. He noted that Anambra is a state where women play a significant role, particularly in education and civil service, and is proud to have produced Nigeria's first female governor.
Soludo expressed his fascination with the progress of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Anambra, stating that the institution is now highly rated in the country. He voiced confidence that the state would continue to prioritize excellence in various fields.
Dr. Banda, who received an Award of Excellence for being the first female guest speaker of the Zik Series, echoed Soludo's sentiment that Africans must collectively find solutions to the challenges facing the continent.
READ: Anambra Gears Up for the 2023 Chinua Achebe Literary Festival and Memorial Lecture
Oyo State Governor, Dr. Seyi Makinde, who chaired the event, advocated for the complete restructuring of Nigeria in his opening remarks. He emphasized the significance of the Annual Zik Series in celebrating the Father of Nigeria’s nationalism.
SEE: Governor Seyi Makinde to Chair 12th Zik Lecture Series in Anambra
The Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Professor Charles Esimone, highlighted the success of the Zik Lecture Series, spanning four successive administrations of the university and attracting distinguished national and international personalities.
RECOMMENDED: Anambra School Reveals Names of Students Killed by Lightning
Senator Ben Ndi Obi, the Benefactor of the Zik Lecture Series, expressed gratitude to the university community for approving the Senator Ben Obi Institute for Governance, marking a 12-year academic journey to immortalize the late Zik of Africa.
