By Christian ABURIME
A self-made man and an accomplished academic, Prof. Soludo made name, money, and fame from extensive international consulting. Even beyond the shores of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Soludo’s ingenuity and academic brilliance were in hot demand and eagerly sought after.
He consulted for the best and famous international organizations the entire world can boast of; such as the International Monetary Fund, (IMF); The World Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Organisation of Africa Unity, now Africa Union (AU); The United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP); International Labour Organization, (ILO): EU, OECD, USAUD, ADFB, COMESA and ECOWAS. The list is endless. Indeed, there was virtually no international organization that Prof. Charles Soludo did not consult for.
Everywhere he goes, he not only attracts respect, he literally commands it. His influence, charm and wide acceptability both at home and abroad are easily discernible. His mastery of economics especially in the area of macro-economics and fiscal policy and the practical applications of these disciplines earned him a 14-month consultancy appointment by three-pan African institutions to represent them in a major work with the World Bank. The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Africa Development Bank and the Africa Consortium nominated him to be the African expert to represent them in a major project titled: “Can African claim the 21st Century?” : A major book that charts the way forward for African economics development in the 21st century which is now a best seller and widely read in most universities across the world.
Extensively travelled man, Prof. Soludo has lived in Ethiopia, England and the United States, and has also visited more than 45 countries in all the continents of the world as an international consultant.
Prof. Soludo’s pedigree and versatility as an Economist was recognized back home when in 2003, he was appointed The Economic Adviser to the then President Olusegun Obasanjo; and Chief Executive of the National Planning Commission.
As Coordinator of the Drafting of the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS), Prof. Soludo broke a record in drafting, consulting, publishing and launching the Federal Government’s comprehensive reformer programme within 7 months during Obasanjo’s government – the fastest of any such home- grown, extensively consultative and participatory programme in any federation.
Like the genius that he is, every year heralds its own landmark on a scale never imagined before. Prof. Soludo’s resourcefulness, foresightedness, sincerity of purpose, exemplary leadership qualities, dedication and commitment to service became the compelling attributes when he was appointed as Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria by former President Obasanjo. Soludo’s appointment was generally applauded by Nigerians as one of the most decisive, bold and courageous step by the Obasanjo’s government by putting the right person, in the right place, at the right time.
Prof. Soludo’s credentials as a revolutionary reformer became manifest just within six months during which he took the mantle of leadership as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
On assumption of office, he immediately embarked on revolutionarizing the banking sector with the 13-point agenda articulated in his famous July 6, 2004 speech to the Bankers’ Committee which literally changed the history of the Nigerian financial landscape in the banking sector. It is on record that there is no policy change that is so fundamental and so far reaching than the banking reforms Soludo introduced in 2004. These courageous reforms largely contributed in keeping the Banks alive and depositors’ funds safe as well as safe-guarding the Nigerian economy from the global financial meltdown.
Prof. Soludo did not stop at the banking reforms, he also simultaneously embarked upon the reforms of the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Company.
Inspite of these monumental achievements, Prof. Soludo remains a study in humility, a good listener and a phenomenon of sort. A man with a large heart who has made service to mankind the centrepiece of his life. In his immediate community, his philanthropic gesture especially in human capital development, speaks volumes of this virtuous trait
His charismatic aura, organizational skills, interpersonal relationship coupled with other enviable qualities have paid off positively to make him one of the most outstanding world-acclaimed economists in the history of mankind
And just of recent, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him as a member of his Economic Advisory council. Soludo’s membership of that economic team drew lot of commendations for the Buhari’s administration by Nigerians across board.
The Anambra state government under the dynamic leadership of Governor Willy Obiano also recently appointed Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the Chairman, Anambra VISION 2070.
In 2006, the Federal Government of Nigeria conferred on Soludo the nation’s third highest national honour ( Commander of the Federal Republic, CFR) in recognition of accomplished performance. He has also been decorated with scores of awards, including being awarded the African and Global Central Bank Governor of the year, 2006, by the ‘Banker’ ( Financial Times); and the Financial Times of London also described him as “a great reformer”
As the Anambra 2021 gubernatorial election approaches, Ndi Anambra absolutely have a ready-made choice in the person of Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, who can conveniently succeed Gov. Obiano without blemishes or controversies and continue Obiano’s good work in Anambra state!
To all Ndi Anambra, Cometh the hour, Cometh the man! “Thank you for making history by voting Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo as the next governor of Anambra state!!!