President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged the federal government’s commitment to addressing key infrastructural and developmental challenges in Anambra State and the wider Southeast region.
During a civic reception held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday, Tinubu assured residents that issues such as severe erosion, the underutilisation of the state’s vast gas reserves, and Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan would be given urgent attention.
Responding to requests from Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the President acknowledged the state’s infrastructural setbacks, including abandoned federal road projects.
He particularly noted the importance of roads linking Anambra to Kogi State, describing them as vital corridors connecting the Southeast with the South-South and Abuja.
“These roads, once completed, will become the fastest gateway between Abuja, Anambra South, and the South-South. I agree that they must be prioritised,” Tinubu said.
On the issue of Anambra being left out of the national railway framework, Tinubu assured the people that the Ministry of Transportation would revise the plan to incorporate the state, saying, “It will be corrected and given the necessary attention.”
The President also promised ecological intervention to combat the erosion menace, and expressed readiness to integrate Anambra into the National Gas Master Plan, noting the state’s untapped gas potential.
Praising the Soludo administration for improved security, Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to deepen collaboration with the state and the Southeast zone to ensure peace and inclusive development.
“Our diversity is our strength. Though we may speak different languages, in brotherhood we must stand. Nigeria is one house; we only live in different rooms,” he said.
Earlier in the day, traditional rulers led by Igwe Chidubem Iweka, conferred the title “Dikesinba of Anambra” on President Tinubu, honouring his contributions to national development and unity. The President also recalled a 2005 title, “Omenife of Awka,” bestowed on him by Eze Gibson Nwosu.
Tinubu also commissioned the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and toured the Solution Fun City built by the state government, which includes the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, and Water Park.
Additional events included the unveiling of the Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, statues honouring notable Anambra figures such as Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Prof Chinua Achebe, and the launch of the Government House Mini City and Anambra Tour of Light.
In his remarks, Governor Soludo described the visit as “historic and consequential,” stating that it marked a new era of collaboration between the state and the federal government under a shared progressive vision.
Soludo praised Tinubu’s economic reforms and ongoing federal projects in the region, including the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway and access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, calling them “game-changers” for the Southeast.
He reiterated that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Anambra’s ruling party, shares a common ideological foundation with the APC and remains aligned with the centre in pursuit of federalism and people-focused governance.
“We are implementing people-centric programmes—free education, maternal healthcare, youth empowerment, and agricultural development—that align with your Renewed Hope Agenda,” Soludo said.
The governor also lauded the federal appointments given to Anambra indigenes and the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission.
Prominent Anambra voices, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and other business and community leaders, delivered goodwill messages expressing support for President Tinubu’s leadership and calls for national unity.
