Tinubu Pledges Developmental Reforms in Anambra, Emphasizes Unity and Inclusion

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during a high-profile state visit to Awka, Anambra State, on Thursday, pledged to address critical developmental challenges facing both Anambra and the broader South-East region. His assurances spanned infrastructure, environmental management, natural gas development, and the inclusion of the state in national planning frameworks—all reflecting a renewed federal commitment to regional equity and national unity.

Addressing Anambra’s Exclusion from National Development Agendas

Speaking at a civic reception held at the iconic Alex Ekwueme Square, President Tinubu highlighted the urgent need to correct historical oversights in development planning for Anambra. Key among these is the state’s exclusion from the National Rail Master Plan—a gap Tinubu vowed to rectify through the Ministry of Transportation.

“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,” Tinubu assured the crowd, responding directly to requests from Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Equally significant was the President’s promise to reactivate plans for harnessing Anambra’s vast gas reserves, which have been historically underutilized. He noted that the state’s absence from the National Gas Master Plan would also be addressed, signaling a broader commitment to ensuring the South-East benefits from Nigeria’s natural resource wealth.

Environmental concerns, particularly gully erosion which continues to devastate parts of the state, also received presidential attention. Tinubu pledged federal support for ecological investments aimed at mitigating erosion and restoring vulnerable communities.

He further acknowledged the strategic importance of completing abandoned federal roads that connect Anambra to neighboring Kogi State. According to Tinubu, these routes could serve as vital arteries linking the South-East to the South-South and the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Senate Warns Defence Minister Over Comments, Reps Demand Action On Plateau Killings

Affirming National Unity Through Inclusive Development

Underscoring his administration’s ideological commitment to unity, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria‘s diversity should be harnessed for collective prosperity rather than division. Drawing on the lyrics of the national anthem, the President reiterated that “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”

“We are only staying in different rooms,” Tinubu said. “Our diversity must lead to prosperity. We must work together to be a united Nigeria.”

The President’s message was warmly received by Anambra’s traditional leadership, with the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, conferring on him the chieftaincy title “Dikesinma of Anambra State”, a recognition of his contributions to national unity and development. Tinubu also recalled receiving the “Omenife of Awka” title in 2005, further cementing his long-standing connection with the region.

Tour of Projects and Acknowledgement of Local Development Initiatives

In a showcase of state-level progress, Tinubu inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. Named after the former Commonwealth Secretary-General, the academic center aims to promote global learning and policy innovation.

The President also toured and commissioned the Solution Fun City, a recreational hub built by Governor Soludo’s administration. The facility includes the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, Water Park, and Amusement Park—all parts of Soludo’s urban renewal strategy.

In another symbolic gesture, President Tinubu unveiled statues honoring five of Anambra’s most iconic figures: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, reinforcing the state’s historic role in Nigeria’s intellectual and political evolution.

The launch of the Government House Mini City, Anambra Tour of Light, and the commissioning of the Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard also formed key highlights of the President’s visit.

Soludo Hails Presidential Visit as a “New Era of Partnership”

Welcoming President Tinubu, Governor Chukwuma Soludo described the visit as “historic and consequential,” marking the first presidential visit to Anambra since 2012. He praised Tinubu’s economic reforms, infrastructure initiatives like the Second Niger Bridge and Enugu-Onitsha Road rehabilitation, and federal erosion control projects, labeling them as “game-changers” for the region.

Highlighting Anambra’s ideological alignment with the federal center, Soludo emphasized the progressive heritage of APGA and affirmed that both the APC and APGA share commitments to federalism and people-focused governance.

“In Anambra, we are firmly and comfortably progressives,” Soludo declared. “We are implementing bold, people-centric programs… that align closely with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Soludo also thanked the President for appointing Anambra indigenes to key federal roles and establishing the Southeast Development Commission, which he said would catalyze regional growth.

Voices of Support and Calls for Unity

The event featured goodwill messages from prominent figures including Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Ada Chukwudozie of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, philanthropist Sir Emeka Offor, youth leader Mr. Rapulu Nwaezekwe, and Emeka Sibeudu, Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. All speakers affirmed support for the President’s leadership and called for sustained national unity.

In a show of solidarity, Soludo concluded: “Anambra stands with you—not just in support, but in shared conviction… We are prepared to support you in every possible way—not just to succeed, but to excel.”