By Christian ABURIME
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” * – Martin Luther King Jr.
In human history, there would always be individuals whose lives subsist as destined epitomes of extraordinary purpose and unparalleled achievement. They are enigmas who possess an innate ability to shatter conventions, break long-standing jinxes, and blaze trails where none existed before. By uncanny destiny, the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, is such an enigma.
The Governor’s life continues to be an instructive treatise on the Nietzschean concept of the Übermensch, the idea of an individual who transcends conventional boundaries and creates new values in a world of endless possibilities. From his early days as a brilliant student and academic, his stint as a revolutionary CBN governor, his current role as an exemplary leader, to his amazing family story as he just gave out his first daughter in marriage, Professor Soludo has consistently demonstrated a unique pattern of inherent jinx-breaking and pace-setting greatness.
Of course, his journey as a jinx breaker began in the halls of academia. As a first-class student, he didn’t merely excel; he dominated, winning numerous best prizes during his educational journey. This early demonstration of intellectual prowess laid the foundation for a life dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and achievement.
In the world of academia, becoming a professor is a significant achievement. Becoming one at the age of 38 is nothing short of extraordinary. Soludo’s ascension to the rank of Professor of Economics at such a young age broke age-related conventions in the ivory tower.
When his career took him to the public space of governance, Professor Soludo kept on the streak of excellence. Twenty years ago, as the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, he initiated a banking reform that was nothing short of revolutionary. His audacious moves reshaped the country’s financial sector, consolidating and strengthening banks, and setting Nigeria on a path to greater financial stability and growth. He thus challenged and changed the status quo for the greater good.
As the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Soludo has continued his trend of breaking jinxes. He shattered a 31-year-old impasse by building a befitting State House in Awka, the state capital. This act not only provided a proper seat of government, but also symbolised progress and the dawn of a new era in state governance. Also, his introduction of free education in state basic education, from primary to secondary school levels, is unprecedented in the state.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Prof. Soludo’s jinx-breaking ability today is how it extends into his family life. The recent traditional marriage ceremony of his daughter, Adaora, to Arinze Ibekwe in Isuofia, Anambra State, broke a 143-year female gender wedding hiatus in the Soludo lineage. For three generations, daughters had been a rarity in the Soludo clan until Professor Soludo himself broke this ‘jinx’ by having four daughters. The joyous occasion of giving out his first daughter in marriage marks yet another barrier shattered.
The consistent pattern of breaking records and setting new standards in his academic, professional, political, and personal life paints the picture of an exceptional individual. Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo embodies the qualities of a game-changing leader, one who sees beyond current limitations and works tirelessly to create new realities. As Nigeria grapples with various challenges that seem to hold back its true potential, the nation might do well to look towards leaders like Governor Soludo in the future. His proven track record of shattering long-standing jinxes and setting new paces in various spheres of life suggests that he could be the kind of national leader Nigeria needs to break free from the shackles holding back its greatness.