Tinubu Pledges To Tackle Developmental Challenges In Anambra, Southeast Region

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing key developmental challenges in Anambra State and the Southeast region, including erosion, underutilisation of gas reserves, and the state’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan.

Speaking on Thursday at a civic reception in his honour at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, President Tinubu assured the people of Anambra that his administration is focused on inclusive development and national unity, underpinned by strategic infrastructure investments.

Responding to requests by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the President acknowledged the long-standing issue of abandoned federal road projects in the region and pledged renewed efforts to complete them—particularly roads linking Anambra to Kogi State, which he described as critical for easing access to the South-South and Abuja.

“Abandoned federal road projects that link Anambra to Kogi then can become the fastest gateway between Abuja and Anambra South and South-South. I agree,” Tinubu stated.

The President also addressed Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan, affirming that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would work to include the state in the updated blueprint.

“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.

He further assured the state of federal backing for ecological projects to combat erosion and promised corrective action regarding Anambra’s omission from the National Gas Master Plan, recognising the state’s vast gas potential.

Commending the Soludo administration’s efforts in enhancing security and infrastructure, President Tinubu reiterated his government’s readiness to partner with Anambra and the Southeast to build peace and shared prosperity.

‘‘With our progressive ideological alliance, we will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity in Anambra and to all Nigerians. In our national anthem, we sing, ‘Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’ We will continue to be brothers. We are one family, a single family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. We are only staying in different rooms. Our diversity must lead to prosperity,” he said.

During the visit, the President was conferred with the chieftaincy title “Dikesimba of Anambra State” by the state’s traditional rulers, led by the Chairman of the Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka. He also recalled being previously honoured with the title “Omenife of Awka” by Eze Gibson Nwosu in 2005.

As part of the events, President Tinubu inaugurated several projects, including the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, named in honour of the former Commonwealth Secretary-General. He also commissioned the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.

Other key highlights of the visit included a tour of the Solution Fun City in Awka—featuring the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, Water Park, and Amusement Park—all developed under the Soludo administration. The President also launched the Government House Mini City, the Anambra Tour of Light, and unveiled statues of five prominent historical figures from the state: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs. Margaret Ekpo.

In his welcome address, Governor Soludo described the President’s visit as “historic and consequential,” noting that the last state visit by a sitting president occurred in 2012. He said the event marked the beginning of a new era of federal-state collaboration rooted in shared progressive ideology.

“The projects commissioned today are symbolisms of the audacity of our dreams for a new Anambra. We have over 500 kilometres of roads, flyovers, and bridges already completed and awaiting commissioning. Like the Americans would say, you haven’t seen anything yet,” Soludo said.

The Governor commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and cited federal infrastructure projects benefiting the region—such as the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Road, Second Niger Bridge access roads, and erosion control works—as transformative for the Southeast.

Highlighting the ideological alignment between APGA and the APC, Soludo reaffirmed Anambra’s progressive stance and policy of supporting the government at the centre since 2011.

“In Anambra, we are firmly and comfortably progressives. We are implementing bold, people-centric programs—free education, healthcare for women, youth empowerment, and large-scale agricultural initiatives—that align closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

Soludo also expressed gratitude for the appointment of Anambra indigenes to prominent federal positions and for the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission.

“Mr. President, Anambra stands with you—not just in support, but in shared conviction. For the sake of Nigeria and future generations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must succeed. We are prepared to support him in every possible way—not just to succeed, but to excel,” he declared.

Prominent Anambra figures, including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Lady Ada Chukwudozie, Sir Emeka Offor, Mr. Rapulu Prince Nwaezekwe, and Emeka Sibeudu, delivered goodwill messages, expressing confidence in the President’s leadership and reaffirming support for a united, progressive Nigeria.