Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his commitment to developing the country’s South-East region, with a particular focus on Anambra state. During a recent visit to the state, Tinubu pledged to integrate Anambra into the Federal Government’s economic development plan, highlighting the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments.
The President’s visit was marked by the inauguration of several projects completed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration, including the Solution FunCity, Anambra Country Club, New Government Lodge, and New Presidential Lodge. Tinubu also inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
In his speech, Tinubu emphasized the need for collaboration between the federal and state governments to drive progress in the region. He stated, “Your son, Chukwuma Soludo, is a progressive, therefore I will work with him to bring progress to Anambra and the entire South-East region.” The President also assured the people of Anambra that the Federal Government would support the state and the region in their economic and development projects.
Tinubu’s commitment to the region’s development includes addressing the perennial gully erosion menace and harnessing the abundant gas deposits in the area to establish a gas plant. He also promised to prioritize the construction of the road linking Anambra and Kogi states, which currently takes between eight and nine hours to travel. The President further announced that the South-East region would be incorporated into the federal government’s railway plan, currently underway.
The visit was also marked by an endorsement of Tinubu for a second term in office by Governor Soludo, who cited the shared progressive ideology between the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and the All Progressives Congress (APC). The former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, also expressed confidence in Tinubu’s administration, stating that “governing a pluralist and complex state, such as Nigeria, needs strength and courage.”
The event concluded with the conferment of a chieftaincy title, “Dike simba of Anambra,” on President Tinubu by the state Traditional Rulers Council, led by Igwe Chidubem Iweka. The title, meaning “Great man of Anambra in diaspora,” reflects the President’s commitment to the development of the region and his willingness to work with local leaders to drive progress.
Overall, President Tinubu’s visit to Anambra state marks a significant step towards addressing the region’s development challenges and underscores the importance of cooperation between the federal and state governments in driving economic growth and prosperity.
