9th May, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured the people of Anambra and the Southeast region of his administration’s commitment to correcting long-standing infrastructural and developmental imbalances affecting the area.
Speaking during a civic reception at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday, the President pledged to address key concerns such as the erosion crisis, Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail and Gas Master Plans, and the completion of critical road projects abandoned by previous administrations.
“I agree that the roads linking Anambra to Kogi must be completed. They can become the fastest gateway between Abuja, the South-East, and the South-South. The Ministry of Transportation is aware of the rail exclusion and will give it the necessary attention,” Tinubu stated.
The President, who was on a working visit to inaugurate a number of landmark projects executed by the Anambra State Government, emphasized the importance of inclusive development, reiterating that national unity can only be achieved through fair distribution of federal projects and attention.
“We are one family, though we live in different rooms of the same house called Nigeria. Our diversity should lead to prosperity, not division,” Tinubu said, adding that ecological interventions to address erosion and the full harnessing of Anambra’s gas potential will not be ignored.
The state’s traditional rulers led by Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, honoured the President with the chieftaincy title of “Dikesimba of Anambra” in recognition of his commitment to national development. Tinubu also recalled his 2005 title, “Omenife of Awka,” bestowed by Eze Gibson Nwosu.
The visit featured the commissioning of several state-led projects including the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; the Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard; and components of the Solution Fun City, such as the Anambra Country Club, Water Park, and Family Fun House.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo described the President’s visit as “historic and consequential,” underscoring the symbolic partnership between the state and the federal government.
“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Anambra. The projects you see today are only a glimpse of our bigger vision. You haven’t seen anything yet,” Soludo declared.
The Governor also expressed appreciation for federal initiatives such as the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Road, the Second Niger Bridge access routes, and erosion control projects, describing them as “game-changers” for the region.
Soludo highlighted the ideological synergy between APGA and the federal government, reaffirming the party’s commitment to progressive governance. “In Anambra, we are firmly progressives. Our people-centric programmes — from free education to youth empowerment — are in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He concluded by pledging continued support for the Tinubu administration. “Anambra stands with you, Mr. President. Not just in support, but in shared conviction. We want you not only to succeed but to excel—for the sake of Nigeria’s future.”
Prominent Anambra voices including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Sir Emeka Offor, youth leader Rapulu Prince Nwaezekwe, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Secretary-General Emeka Sibeudu, also pledged their support for the President’s vision of unity and national development.
