By Chikaodi Chukwuleta
In a shocking turn of events, Anambra State, once hailed as the ‘Light of the Nation’ has plummeted down to 34th position out of the 36 states in Nigeria in the 2025 PCL State Performance Index (PSPl), ranking released by Philips Consulting.
The very respected international Consulting Group claims that Anambra State which ranked 8th in 2024, has shockingly fallen from 8th to 24th position. This unbelievable turn of events marks a profound crisis in government and development under the current administration led by Prof Chukwuma Soludo.
The PSPl report paints a troubling picture of Anambra’s struggle across critical sectors, in governance and service delivery. Persistent gaps highlight a disconnect between the government’s promises and tangible outcomes for citizens.
The group emphasised on poor ranking in education; that schools suffer from poor infrastructure, failure to impact learning quality and young people’s future, and capital expenditure, adding that Anambra is 33rd in ranking in per capita spending signals, inadequate investments in pubic infrastructure like roads and community projects.
Philips Consulting released a ranking list with Anambra taking the 30th position in pubic health, that reflects health-care challenges, including strikes by professionals and subpar care conditions, pointing that the state is now listed among the least preferred to relocate to a strak shift from its historical reputation.
The group saw it as a proof of failed leadership and unmet promises under Gov Soludo, pointing to hardship, especially on education, health and infrastructure faced by the people, while the Soludo-led administration attributes the low ranking to flaws in the assessment process, defending their governance efforts amidst criticisms.
In reaction to the metrics, the Anambra State Government, through the Commissioner for Budget and planning, Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, contested the PSPl ranking, describing the report as ” methodologically weak and misleading,” questioning the use of a small sample size of 78 respondents to represent over six million people.
As the state grapples with this downturn, questions linger about the state’s trajectory and the aspirations of the people. Debates intensify around issues of governance, accountability and pathways to revitalise the state’s development.
Amid the uncertainty, some observers bellieve that the likes of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu and Senator Uche Ekwunife, if voted in during the November 8 governorship election, will move the state to a greater height and effectively tackle Anambra’s challenges in addressing developmental deficits in the state.
