In a shocking turn of events, Anambra State, once hailed as the ‘Light of the Nation’ has plummeted to 34th position out of the 36 states in Nigeria in the 2025 PCL State Performance Index (PSPl), released by Philips  Consulting.

Philips Consulting claims that the state, which ranked 8th in 2024, has drastically reduced, falling from 8th to 24th. This marks a profound  crisis in government  and  development under the current administration led by Professor  Chukwuma Soludo.

The PSPl reports paints a troubled  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 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 Governor Soludo, pointing to hardship, especially on education, health and infrastructure faced by the people, while the government  of Charles Chukwuma Soludo attributes the low ranking to flaws in 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.