President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged to confront pressing environmental and infrastructural issues affecting Anambra State and the wider Southeast region during a state visit on Thursday.
Speaking at a civic reception hosted at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, the President listed erosion, dormant gas reserves, and the state’s omission from the National Rail Master Plan as critical issues requiring prompt attention.
Responding to Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s appeal for federal intervention in ongoing regional challenges, President Tinubu acknowledged the neglect of vital federal road projects in the Southeast. He assured the crowd that efforts would be made to ensure the completion of key routes connecting Anambra to Kogi State, which he described as crucial for regional trade and access to Abuja and the South-South.
“There are roads here long abandoned that link Anambra to Kogi. They hold the potential to become the fastest access routes to Abuja. I understand the urgency,” he stated.
On the state’s absence from the national rail plan, Tinubu assured residents that the Federal Ministry of Transportation had been instructed to revise the blueprint to include Anambra.
He also addressed the ecological degradation caused by erosion across the state, promising federal backing for remedial action. The President further noted Anambra’s untapped gas resources, expressing readiness to incorporate the state into the National Gas Master Plan.
In recognition of the state government’s push to improve public safety, Tinubu reaffirmed that Abuja would maintain a collaborative relationship with Anambra and other Southeast states to promote peace and economic growth.
Reiterating the theme of national unity, the President told the gathering: “We are one people, one country. Nigeria is our common home, and though we live in different regions, we must walk together toward shared progress.”
During the event, President Tinubu was honoured with the traditional title of Dikesimba of Anambra State by the Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka. He recalled a previous title conferred on him in 2005, Omenife of Awka, bestowed by Eze Gibson Nwosu.
As part of his visit, the President commissioned the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, named after the former Commonwealth Secretary-General. He also toured the newly developed Solution Fun City in Awka, which houses the Anambra Country Club, Family Fun House, Water Park, and Amusement Park — all projects delivered under the Soludo administration.
Other notable engagements included the launch of the Government House Mini City and the unveiling of statues commemorating key Anambra figures: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs. Margaret Ekpo. The President also cut the ribbon on the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
Governor Soludo described the visit as a major milestone, symbolising renewed ties between the federal and state governments. “This visit stands out not just for the projects unveiled but for what it means — a shared direction for development,” he remarked.
He highlighted ongoing federal works in the region such as the reconstruction of the Enugu-Onitsha Road, the Second Niger Bridge access roads, and ongoing erosion control efforts. The Governor praised the President’s economic measures and reaffirmed Anambra’s alignment with federal developmental priorities.
“In Anambra, we are committed to policies that put people first — education, healthcare, youth empowerment, and agriculture. Our goals resonate with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Soludo said.
He thanked the President for appointing sons and daughters of the state to strategic national roles and for establishing the Southeast Development Commission, pledging Anambra’s continued support.
