By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Contrary to misleading media reports alleging that Anambra State was denied the World Bank loan facility due to poor performance benchmarks, the Bank has in its report confirmed that the state did not express interest to participate in its 2024 HOPE-Governance Program.

According to the World Bank's Implementation Status & Results Report on Nigeria HOPE-Governance (P181476), dated July 7, 2025, “35 states and the Federal Capital Territory had expressed interest in participating in the Program. Anambra State did not express interest to participate in the programme."

A statement by Governor Chukwuma Soludo's Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, on Saturday said that the report made no mention of disqualification or failed benchmarks, but only that interested states engaged the Bank for guidance.

The statement partly reads: "Anambra’s non-participation was a deliberate administrative decision, not a penalty. Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo evaluates every program against its priorities and fiscal timelines before committing.

"The State Government is currently concluding due diligence and ongoing talks with the World Bank, and Anambra State will not fail to participate in any progressive program or policy that aligns with our priorities, now or in the future."

The State Government further urged the media and the general public to verify facts and resist undue insinuations that may be misleading.