Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has vowed to tackle key developmental challenges facing Anambra State and the Southeast region, including erosion control, underutilized gas reserves, and the exclusion of Anambra from the National Rail Master Plan.
Speaking on Thursday during a civic reception at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka as part of his official state visit, President Tinubu reassured the people of the federal government’s commitment to inclusive development and improved infrastructure.
Addressing the omission of Anambra from the National Rail Master Plan, the President announced that the Federal Ministry of Transportation had been directed to correct the oversight.
“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 said.
He also pledged federal support for ecological interventions aimed at curbing erosion in the region and promised to rectify Anambra’s exclusion from the National Gas Master Plan, acknowledging the state’s vast untapped gas reserves.
President Tinubu praised the Anambra State government for its efforts in enhancing security and reiterated the federal government’s readiness to work with the state and the entire Southeast to promote peace, unity, and economic growth.
“With our progressive ideological alliance, we will continue to partner with your state to deliver shared prosperity in Anambra and to all Nigerians,” he said.
The President emphasized the importance of national unity, invoking the words of the national anthem: “Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand.”
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.
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 symbolisms of the audacity of our dreams for a new Anambra state. Like the Americans would say, you haven’t seen anything yet,’’ he said.
Governor Soludo also commended President Bola Tinubu for his bold economic reforms and critical infrastructure projects that are positively impacting the Southeast region.
He highlighted initiatives such as the rehabilitation of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, the access roads to the Second Niger Bridge, and ongoing erosion control efforts, describing them as transformative for the region.
Governor Soludo also expressed appreciation for the appointment of Anambra indigenes to strategic federal positions and the establishment of the Southeast Development Commission.
“Mr. President, Anambra stands with you—not just in political support, but in shared vision and conviction,” he declared.
“For the sake of Nigeria and generations to come, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must succeed. We are ready to support him in every way possible—not just to succeed, but to excel.”
President Tinubu also inspected and inaugurated various projects at the Solution Fun City in Awka, which was developed by the Soludo administration. These included the Anambra Country Club, the Family Fun House, a Water Park, and an Amusement Park.
Additional events during the visit featured the launch of the Government House Mini City and the Anambra Tour of Light. The President also unveiled statues commemorating five notable figures from the state’s history: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Prof. Kenneth Dike, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Mrs. Margaret Ekpo.
Furthermore, President Tinubu commissioned the newly completed Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard.
