It was not just another book launch. It was a gathering of minds, a meeting of vision and tradition, and in the middle of it all stood a royal voice that pierced through the air with grace and truth.
When the Pere of Gbaramatu Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Oboro-Gbaraun II, Aketekpe, Agadagba, took the microphone in Awka, the capital of Anambra State, on Friday, October 10, a deep silence enveloped the hall. The hall brimmed with leaders, traditional rulers, and intellectuals, all gathered to celebrate Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s remarkable work captured in his new book, “The Audacity of Transformation.”
But what followed was more than a tribute, it was a royal reflection that turned into one of the most memorable speeches of the evening.
The Pere began with a simple story. He had asked his eight-year-old grandson what the word audacity meant. The boy paused, thought for a while, and then replied, “How dare you!” before walking away.
The hall erupted in laughter, but beneath that humour was a striking truth, the courage to dare.
“How dare you, Professor Soludo, to transform Anambra State?” the Pere continued, his tone steady and deep. “In a country where corruption blinds many, where development has been reduced to promises, one man dares to be different, dares to build, dares to lead with integrity.”
His words hung in the air like poetry, drawing nods of agreement and silent reflection.
“In a nation where decay has become familiar,” he said, “you have chosen to rise above excuses. Da-alu! Ji-si-ike!”
He quoted Barack Obama’s The Audacity of Hope, reminding everyone that balancing idealism with realism in governance is never easy, but Soludo’s story stands as proof that it is possible.
At that moment, the governor’s smile carried more than pride, it carried gratitude. The message was not just for him, but for every leader listening.
The Pere’s final words were as gentle as they were profound:
“We will all be remembered for what we have done, good or bad. Imela. Thank you, and remain blessed.”
When he left the podium, the hall rose in applause. It wasn’t just a speech; it was a reminder of what leadership should sound like, bold, humble, and true.
Read the full speech below:
His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Anambra State, The Chairman Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
Standing on the existing protocol may I specially acknowledge my Royal friends and brothers seated here and the organizers of this programme.
We bring greetings from our kingdom Gbaramatu to the good people of Anambra State. It is a thing of joy, being ni Anambra to witness and take part in today’s book launch.
The book, “The Audacity of Transformation”, pondering on the title some days ago, I called on my grandson of about 8years and asked him what he understood by the word ‘Audacity’, he stirred into the air for some seconds and then turned to me and said “HOW DARE YOU?”. And then walked away. I was confused and angry at his temerity.
How dare you Prof. Soludo to transform Anambra State ….. my grandson si asking. nI a nation where every nookand cranny, you see decayed infrastructures and under development, bad roads and insecurity, one man choose to stand out with his trans-formative development policies and agenda.
How dare you, in a time where leaders are blinded by corruption, greed, nepotism and personal enrichment, you are making a difference with boldness. “Da-alu!” “Ji-si-ike!”
In his book, “Audacity of Hope” by former president of the United States, Barrack Obama said that “finding the right balance between competing values isdifficult in a complex and contradictory world”
I see you balancing idealism and realism. May the God of the land reward your efforts and take you higher.
A song writer said, “we would be remembered with what we have done either good or bad”
“Imela”, thank you and remain bless.
