During a state visit to Anambra on Thursday, President Bola Tinubu pledged to address longstanding developmental challenges in the state and the Southeast region, including gully erosion, abandoned road projects, and the state’s exclusion from key national infrastructure plans.
Speaking at a civic reception in Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, the President assured residents of the federal government’s commitment to inclusive development through improved connectivity and infrastructure.
Addressing Abandoned Road Projects
Responding to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s appeal, President Tinubu acknowledged the numerous stalled federal roads across the region. He stressed the importance of completing key routes—particularly those linking Anambra and Kogi—as vital corridors connecting the Southeast to Abuja and the South-South.
“Abandoned federal road projects that link Anambra to Kogi can become the fastest gateway between Abuja and Anambra South and South-South. I agree,” Tinubu affirmed.
Inclusion in National Rail and Gas Master Plans, the President expressed dismay over Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan and promised immediate corrective action.
“The Ministry of Transportation is aware and will include the connection in the Master Plan,” he assured.
Similarly, Tinubu committed to integrating the state’s underutilized gas reserves into the National Gas Master Plan, opening avenues for energy development and industrial growth.
Combating Erosion Through Ecological Investments, Recognizing erosion as a severe ecological threat in Anambra, the President pledged federal support for sustainable erosion control and ecological investments.
A Vision for National Unity
Tinubu praised Anambra’s security efforts and reaffirmed his vision for a united Nigeria grounded in equity and diversity.
“We are one family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. Our diversity must lead to prosperity,” he said.
Honours and Cultural Engagements
During the visit, traditional rulers conferred the chieftaincy title “Dikesimba of Anambra” on President Tinubu, honoring his service to national unity. He also recalled receiving the “Omenife of Awka” title in 2005.
Commissioning of Key Projects
President Tinubu inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He also commissioned parts of the Solution Fun City—including an amusement park, family fun house, and water park—as well as the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
Other highlights included the launch of the Government House Mini City, the Anambra Tour of Light, and the unveiling of statues honoring iconic Anambra figures: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs. Margaret Ekpo.
Soludo Hails Federal-State Collaboration
Governor Soludo described the visit as “historic and consequential,” marking a new era of partnership between the federal and state governments.
“What you commissioned today, Mr. President, are mere symbolisms of the audacity of our dreams for a new Anambra state,” he said, pointing to over 500km of completed roads and bridges.
He lauded federal interventions like the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Road and Second Niger Bridge access routes as transformative for the region.
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Shared Progressive Ideology
Soludo reaffirmed APGA’s ideological alignment with the APC-led federal government, emphasizing shared goals of federalism, inclusion, and people-focused development.
“In Anambra, we are firmly and comfortably progressives,” he noted, highlighting initiatives such as free education, maternal healthcare, and youth empowerment.
Support from Stakeholders
Eminent voices including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Sir Emeka Offor, and other civic leaders echoed their support for President Tinubu’s leadership and his vision for national unity and prosperity.
