President Bola Tinubu has pledged sweeping federal support for Anambra State during a high-profile state visit that marked a turning point in federal-state relations in the Southeast.
Addressing a jubilant crowd at a civic reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square, President Tinubu assured the people of Anambra that the Federal Government will decisively address major developmental challenges, including severe erosion, dormant gas reserves, and the state’s exclusion from Nigeria’s National Rail Master Plan.
Responding to key issues raised by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, President Tinubu committed to reviving abandoned federal road projects—particularly the crucial links between Anambra and Kogi State. He described the route as a strategic economic corridor that could serve as a gateway between the Southeast, South-South, and the Federal Capital Territory.
“I agree—abandoned federal road projects that link Anambra to Kogi can become the fastest gateway between Abuja and Anambra South and the South-South,” Tinubu declared.
On the issue of Anambra’s absence from national transportation and gas infrastructure plans, President Tinubu said the Federal Ministry of Transportation will now work to integrate the state into the National Rail Master Plan. He also promised that Anambra’s vast gas reserves will no longer be ignored in the National Gas Master Plan.
We are committed to correcting these oversights,” he said. “Our diversity must lead to prosperity. We must work together to be a united Nigeria.”
The President also commended the state’s efforts to improve security and promised continued federal collaboration to enhance peace and development in the Southeast.
In a gesture of traditional recognition, President Tinubu was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Dikesimba of Anambra State” by the state’s Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by Igwe Chidubem Iweka. He also recalled receiving the title “Omenife of Awka” in 2005.
During the visit, Tinubu inaugurated several projects, including the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. He also commissioned various components of the “Solution Fun City” in Awka, a sprawling recreational development initiated by the Soludo administration, as well as the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
Governor Soludo, in his remarks, hailed the visit as historic and symbolic of a renewed era of cooperation. “This is not just about commissioning projects. It is about a shared vision for a new Anambra,” he said. “APGA is ideologically aligned with the centre. We stand with President Tinubu—not just in support, but in shared conviction.”
Soludo praised the President’s reforms and infrastructure focus, particularly citing the ongoing rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Road, work on the Second Niger Bridge, and erosion control measures as transformative for the region.
The event also featured goodwill messages from notable Anambra personalities, including former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, business leader Sir Emeka Offor, youth advocate Mr. Rapulu Prince Nwaezekwe, and Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Secretary-General Emeka Sibeudu, all pledging support for Tinubu’s leadership and a united Nigeria.
