Governor Chukwuma Soludo has appointed Chiamaka Nnake as the new Secretary to the Anambra State Government (SSG), making her the first woman to occupy the position since the state was created.
Nnake, 39, takes over from Solo Chukwulobelu and becomes the first major political appointee of Soludo’s second term, signaling a fresh phase in the administration.
A Historic Appointment
The appointment is being widely viewed as a milestone for gender inclusion in Anambra’s governance, placing a seasoned technocrat at the centre of policy coordination and government operations.
A native of Nawfia in Njikoka Local Government Area, Nnake brings over 13 years of experience spanning finance, strategy, and public sector reform.
Strong Track Record in Public Service
Before her elevation, Nnake served as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, where she played a pivotal role in:
- Resource mobilisation and fiscal planning
- Economic policy development
- Implementation of socio-economic programmes
She also chaired Solution Fun City Limited and held leadership roles across key state institutions, including the investment promotion agency, internal revenue board, and small business agency.
As Anambra’s Reform Champion for Ease of Doing Business, she led initiatives aimed at improving the business climate and driving inclusive growth. She is also Nigeria’s chairperson for the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme.
Private Sector Expertise
Prior to joining government, Nnake worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers Nigeria as a Senior Strategy Consultant, where she led over 30 engagements across sectors including finance, agriculture, and public policy.
Her contributions included work on the state’s long-term development blueprint, Anambra Vision 2070, as well as technical support for the government’s transition strategy.
Earlier in her career, she held roles at IHS Towers and Meristem Securities Limited.
Academic and Professional Credentials
Nnake holds an MBA from Lagos Business School, where she earned Beta Gamma Sigma recognition for academic excellence. She graduated with First-Class Honours in Accounting from Benson Idahosa University.
She is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a member of its National Advisory Committee, and has completed executive training at Harvard Kennedy School. She is also currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy.
What It Means
Nnake’s appointment is expected to strengthen policy execution and coordination within the Soludo administration, while also reinforcing ongoing reforms in economic planning and governance.
Analysts say her blend of private sector expertise and public sector experience positions her to play a critical role in advancing Anambra’s development agenda in the coming years.
