HOW SOLUDO MADE THE DIFFERENCE: A BLAST FROM THE PAST IN NIGERIAN BANKING
By Christian ABURIME
In an event that vividly depicted a metaphoric blast from the past, radiating both nostalgia and profound appreciation, dignitaries, business leaders, and politicians gathered to celebrate the launch of “The Power of One Man: How Soludo-Engineered Consolidation Transformed Nigerian Banks into Global Players”, authored by Dr. Ray Echebiri, last Saturday in Lagos.
The book commemorates the pivotal banking reforms initiated by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, two decades ago as a CBN governor; reforms that not only fortified Nigeria’s financial system but also elevated it to global standards.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by former Cross River Governor Donald Duke, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and other esteemed personalities attended the launch, each paying glowing tributes to Governor Soludo’s proactive leadership. Dapo Abiodun, capturing the collective sentiment, remarked, “You are an economic genius,” a sentiment echoed by Governor Sanwoolu and Obasanjo, who highlighted how Soludo’s foresight and intervention saved Nigeria’s financial system at a critical juncture.
The consensus was clear: Professor Soludo’s strategic consolidation of banks was a masterstroke that not only salvaged the financial sector from impending collapse but also laid the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. “The power of one man,” as articulated by the book’s title, became a resounding endorsement of Governor Soludo’s singular influence in reshaping the financial landscape, along with a capable team.
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State also joined in praising Soludo’s achievements, underscoring the widespread admiration for his work. Prof. Akpan Hogan Ekpo, a renowned economist, succinctly captured the essence of Soludo’s impact with his assertion that “leadership is dealership in hope. Soludo is a leader.” This statement encapsulated the hope and confidence that Governor Soludo instilled in the nation during a time of economic uncertainty.
Reflecting on the current state of the Nigerian economy, many business leaders and politicians at the well-attended book launch drew parallels to the period of Soludo’s reforms, noting the critical need for such visionary leadership once again. In a resonant remark, one speaker expressed the hope that if an Igbo man were to lead Nigeria in the near future, it should be none other than Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, acknowledging his unparalleled expertise and dedication to national development, aside his profound erudition.
As the evening progressed, it became evident that Governor Soludo’s legacy extends far beyond the realm of banking. His reforms not only stabilised the financial sector but also inspired a generation of leaders to pursue bold, transformative policies. The launch of “The Power of One Man” really provoked a resounding consensus about the enduring impact of Soludo’s work and a call to action for current and future leaders to emulate his visionary approach.
In a time when Nigeria’s economy is once again facing significant challenges as it was two decades ago, the reflections on Governor Soludo’s achievements clearly provided a reference point. The event underscored the importance of innovative and courageous leadership in navigating turbulent times and reaffirmed the belief that Soludo himself termed as confidence in the infinite possibilities of the Nigerian nation.
