Tinubu Visits Anambra, Pledges Stronger Federal Support, Lauds Soludo’s Vision
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to partnering with Anambra State and the Southeast region, describing Anambra as a “beacon of commerce, intellect, and cultural strength” during his state visit and grand reception in Awka on Thursday.
Addressing a crowd that included traditional rulers, political leaders, and members of the public, President Tinubu praised Governor Charles Soludo’s leadership and bold development initiatives, including the commissioning of the Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city.
“Anambra is on the rise,” Tinubu declared. “A few years ago, Dubai was largely a desert. Today, it is a global hub, because one man dared to dream. Soludo dares to dream too and I assure you, we will work together to fast-track that vision.”
The President emphasized longstanding ties with Governor Soludo, recalling their relationship dating back to 2003 and describing the governor as a “thinker” and a “visionary.” Tinubu’s remarks echoed promises made during his 2023 campaign, when he stated Soludo would play a key advisory role in his administration.
Tinubu acknowledged key challenges facing Anambra, including devastating gully erosion, perennial flooding, exclusion from national infrastructure plans, and long-abandoned federal roads. He described the region’s request for a “state of emergency on erosion” as urgent, and promised to consider the reopening of the Onitsha River Port and integrating Anambra into the national gas and rail masterplans.
“These are bold requests but they are also justified,” Tinubu said. “With collaboration, we will deliver shared prosperity to Ndi Anambra and all Nigerians.”
The President used the occasion to highlight the gains of his “Renewed Hope Agenda,” including the removal of unsustainable subsidies, stabilization of the forex market, and implementation of a new national minimum wage.
“We met a near-insolvent public finance system, but we are turning the tide,” he said. “Already, investor confidence is growing and the foundation for a more inclusive and stable economy is being laid.”
Tinubu specifically praised Anambra for not only implementing the new minimum wage but going above the national standard.
In a symbolic move, the President was conferred a new chieftaincy title by the collective traditional rulers of Anambra State a gesture he described as “historic.”
“I am now a bona fide son of the soil,” Tinubu declared with a smile. “Maybe Soludo should find me a plot of land for my retirement.”
President Tinubu concluded his speech with a patriotic appeal to Nigerians to remain steadfast amid ongoing reforms.
“We have no other country but Nigeria,” he said. “We must make it great as the pride of the black race.”
The visit marks one of the most significant outreach efforts by Tinubu’s administration to the Southeast since taking office and is seen by observers as a strategic move to deepen national unity, address longstanding regional grievances, and bolster grassroots support across geopolitical lines.
