By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State, Governor Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has been commended for his plan and decision to legalize the existence and operations of the Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC), formerly known as the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU).
Reacting to the development, the President-General of the Obosi Development Union, Worldwide, Chimezie Obi, who attested that the governor announced the decision on Saturday, March 29, 2025, during an official event, said it marked the fulfillment of a promise he (the Governor) made two years ago to the Association.
According to him, Governor Soludo stated that the move is aimed at granting legal recognition to the association, transforming it from a mere union incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) into a recognized organ of government. He further revealed that the proposed legislation would enable the council to function similarly to the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, with leadership positions being appointed by the state government.
Continuing, the Obosi PG quoted the Governor as saying that the new structure will ensure that the activities of the town unions in the state are guided by the provisions of the law, thereby strengthening community leadership and involvement in governance. He emphasized that the change in the association’s nomenclature from ASATU to ASTUC is a necessary step to properly align the organization’s roles with the government’s vision for grassroots administration.
According to him, the announcement by Governor Soludo came as a surprise to many, as it fulfilled a commitment made on December 8, 2022, during a meeting with ASATU leadership. He said the governor acknowledged that just incorporating the Association under CAC did not adequately reflect the state’s commitment to formalizing the union of President-Generals from the 179 communities in Anambra State.
Chief Obi commended Governor Soludo for his visionary leadership, describing the move as a historic stride that will strengthen community leadership across Anambra. He noted that the governor’s decision is reminiscent of the legacy left by the late Chief Chimezie Ikeazor SAN (Oboli Ndichie Obosi), a renowned legal luminary and former President-General of the Obosi Development Union.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Chief Ikeazor, Obi noted that the statesman had similarly pioneered impactful initiatives during his lifetime. He recalled that on February 6, 1974, Chief Ikeazor led a group of Nigerian legal experts to establish the Legal Aid Association, which aimed to provide free legal services to indigent Nigerians. Two years later, he said, the then Military Administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo adopted this initiative as the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, institutionalizing Ikeazor’s vision.
Obi further remarked that Chief Ikeazor’s legacy lives on, as his visionary leadership continues to shape governance in Anambra State. He expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo for recognizing and sustaining the legacy of a man whose impact extended beyond his lifetime.
Obi also lauded the governor’s proactive governance style, highlighting Soludo’s capacity to analyze, plan, and execute transformative initiatives that benefit the grassroots. He expressed optimism that the upgrade of ASATU to ASTUC marks a new era in community governance and will foster greater collaboration between town unions and the state government.
The Obosi PG reiterated that the move is particularly significant as it comes 13 years after the death of Chief Ikeazor, who was the first National President of ASATU. He described the late chief as a trailblazer whose life continues to inspire leadership and community cohesion.
As the Anambra State House of Assembly prepares to deliberate on the proposed legislation, stakeholders across the state have expressed optimism that the formalization of ASTUC will enhance grassroots representation and provide a structured platform for community engagement within the state’s governance framework.
Aside Chief Obi’s commendation, the governor’s initiative has also been widely praised as a positive step toward institutionalizing community leadership and fostering inclusive governance in Anambra State.
