- Acknowledges persistence of abandoned federal road projects in South East
- Governing Nigeria a complex task, Anyaoku tells Tinubu
- President conferred with ‘Dike si mba’ chieftaincy title in Anambra
President Bola Tinubu pledged on Thursday in Awka to address key developmental challenges confronting Anambra State and the South East region.
These include erosion, underutilisation of gas reserves and Anambra’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan.
Speaking at a civic reception held at Alex Ekwueme Square during his state visit, President Tinubu assured the people of Anambra of the Federal Government’s commitment to upgrading road infrastructure and fostering stronger national unity through inclusive development.
Responding to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s requests, the President acknowledged the persistence of abandoned federal road projects in the region.
He emphasised the strategic importance of completing roads linking Anambra to Kogi State to facilitate easier 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,” he said.
President Tinubu addressed the state’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan, assuring residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation would rectify the omission.
“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,” the President stated.
The President pledged federal support for ecological investments to tackle erosion and acknowledged the state’s vast gas reserves, noting that its omission from the National Gas Master Plan would also be addressed.
Commending the state government’s efforts in improving security, President Tinubu reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to collaborating with Anambra and the Southeast to ensure peace, stability, 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.
‘‘As your President, I have always said and am saying the same thing now: 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. We must work together to be a united Nigeria,’’ he said.
President Tinubu expressed deep appreciation for the chieftaincy title “Dikesimba of Anambra State”, conferred on him by traditional rulers of the state in recognition of his contributions to national development and unity.
The Traditional Ruler of Obosi and Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, conferred the title.
He also recalled a 2005 title, “Omenife of Awka,” bestowed on him by Eze Gibson Nwosu.
During the visit, President Tinubu inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, an academic centre named after the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku.
President Tinubu also toured and commissioned multiple components of the Solution Fun City in Awka, including the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, Water Park, and Amusement Park, which were built by the Soludo administration.
Other highlights included the launch of the Government House Mini City, the Anambra Tour of Light, and the unveiling of statues honouring five of the state’s historical icons, including Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs Margaret Ekpo.
The President also commissioned the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
Welcoming the President, the Anambra State Governor described the visit as “historic and consequential,” noting that it symbolised a new era of collaboration and shared progress between the federal and state governments under a united progressive ideology.
“The last state visit by a president was in 2012, ostensibly to commission a brewery and another private enterprise. This visit is not just to commission projects. We have over 500 kilometres of roads, flyovers, and bridges completed and waiting for commissioning.
“What you commissioned today, Mr. President, are mere symbols of the audacity of our dreams for a new Anambra state. Like the Americans would say, you haven’t seen anything yet,” he said.
The Governor praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms and federal infrastructure projects benefiting the region—such as the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Road, the Second Niger Bridge access roads, and ongoing erosion control measures describing them as “game-changers” for the South East.
Highlighting a long-standing ideological alignment, Governor Soludo recounted the APGA’s progressive roots and its policy of supporting the party and government at the centre since 2011.
He affirmed that “APGA is ideologically and strategically aligned with the centre,” stressing that both the APC and APGA are committed to federalism, inclusion, and people-focused development.
“In Anambra, we are firmly and comfortably progressives.
“We are implementing bold, people-centric programs, free education, healthcare for women, youth empowerment, and massive agricultural initiatives that align closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda,’’ he said.
Governor Soludo also extended gratitude for the appointment of Anambra indigenes to key federal positions and 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.”
Governing Nigeria a complex task, Anyaoku tells Tinubu
A former Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Emeka Anyaoku, has described Nigeria as a “complex task” to govern while calling for prayers for President Tinubu to continue to successfully steer the country.
Anyaoku stated this in his welcome address during a town hall meeting between the president and critical stakeholders of Anambra State, held at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka, on Thursday.
While addressing Tinubu, Anyaoku said, “The first time I had the pleasure of welcoming you to Anambra State was 12 years ago when you joined me in coming to celebrate my 80th birthday.
“As every discerning observer knows, governing Nigeria is a very complex task. I am sure many others like me will continue to pray that God will continue to give you wisdom to continue to steer the ship of this country in the right direction.
“As a NADECO champion, it inspires my confidence that you will successfully steer the ship of our country to the destination that we, the citizens of this country, desire.
“I thank you, Mr President, for honouring the people of Anambra to commission the projects of our governor. We all continue to wish you well.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, South East, Lady Adadiorama Dozie, thanked the President for the visit, saying, “We are seeing changes now, which means you are teaching us that good governance is key to development.”
Tinubu conferred with ‘Dike si mba’ chieftaincy title in Anambra
Meanwhile, President Tinubu has been honoured with the chieftaincy title of Dike si mba Anambra by the traditional rulers of Anambra State.
The title, which translates to “warrior from the Diaspora,” was conferred on the President by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Ogalagidi, Eze Iweka III), at the Dr Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka on Thursday.
“This is a title from all the royal fathers in the 179 communities of Anambra State. It is called Dike si mba Anambra, meaning ‘warrior from the Diaspora,’ and it acknowledges your good works across the country,” Iweka said.
“We welcome you to Anambra and salute you for honouring our invitation. Your efforts in governance are positively impacting all parts of the country,” the monarch added.
The traditional ruler also highlighted the infrastructure development, such as critical roads, including those linking the Second Niger Bridge, as part of Tinubu’s legacy in governance.
In his acceptance speech, President Tinubu expressed his gratitude for the honour.
He stressed the importance of unity for national progress, stating that Nigeria’s diverse population should be a source of economic strength.
The president called for collaborative efforts towards the nation’s advancement.
He also expressed his gratitude and deep honour at receiving a chieftaincy title from the state’s traditional leaders, describing the occasion as a memorable and cherished moment.
During his visit, President Tinubu also commissioned key projects in Anambra, including the New State Government House, the Governor’s Lodge, Solution Fun City, the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, and several initiatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka.
Governors Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Alex Otti of Abia State, Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State, Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives and Governors of Borno, Ogun, Gombe and Delta States were also in Anambra, just as Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Senators Victor Umeh, Enyinnaya Abaribe and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, were equally in attendance.