President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive national development, pledging to address key infrastructural and environmental challenges affecting Anambra State and the Southeast region.
During a civic reception in his honour at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday, the President promised swift federal intervention on erosion control, gas resource development, and the inclusion of Anambra in the National Rail Master Plan.
Responding to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s appeals, Tinubu acknowledged the state’s exclusion from several national frameworks and highlighted the need to complete long-abandoned federal road projects, especially those linking Anambra to Kogi State.
“These roads can become the fastest gateway between Abuja, Anambra South, and the South-South,” he noted. “We will not abandon them.”
On rail transport, Tinubu assured the people that the Ministry of Transportation would review the National Rail Master Plan to include Anambra.
“I am standing before you to say that the Ministry of Transportation is aware and will include the connection in the Master Plan and give it attention,” he said.
Addressing the state’s environmental concerns, the President pledged to support ecological initiatives to tackle erosion and affirmed plans to integrate Anambra’s gas reserves into the National Gas Master Plan.
He praised the Soludo administration’s efforts in improving security and restated his vision for a more united Nigeria.
“Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand. We are one family, a single house called Nigeria, living in different rooms. Our diversity must lead to prosperity,” Tinubu declared.
As part of his visit, the President was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Dikesinba of Anambra State” by the Anambra Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by Igwe Chidubem Iweka. He also recalled being honoured with the title “Omenife of Awka” in 2005 by Eze Gibson Nwosu.
The President went on to commission the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and inspected various projects under the Soludo administration, including the Solution Fun City and the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
In his address, Governor Soludo hailed the visit as “historic and consequential,” highlighting ongoing federal infrastructure projects and aligning Anambra’s development agenda with the Tinubu-led federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reiterated APGA’s progressive identity and commitment to federalism, adding: “Mr President, Anambra stands with you—not just in support, but in shared conviction.”
Dignitaries including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Sir Emeka Offor, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s leadership also praised the President’s visit and vision for national unity.
