President Bola Tinubu visited Anambra State on Thursday for the first time since becoming Nigeria’s president in May 2023. He arrived around noon at Chinua Achebe International Airport in Umueri, where Governor Charles Soludo and top officials welcomed him warmly.
The president wore a colourful Igbo Akwete outfit and came with a large team. With him were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and Governors Hope Uzodimma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), and Peter Mbah (Enugu). Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, also joined the team.
Tinubu’s visit was packed with activities. He commissioned several projects built by Governor Soludo. These include the new Anambra State Government House and the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka. He also unveiled the Solution Fun City, a recreational park designed for families and young people.
Tinubu Praises Soludo and Calls for Unity
Speaking at the commissioning, President Tinubu praised Soludo’s work in the state.
“As your president, I’ve always said and I’m saying the same thing now, in our national anthem, we sing and praise our founding fathers that ‘Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood, we stand,’” he said.
“We will continue to be brothers, we are one family, a single family, diverse, living in the same house called Nigeria. We are only staying in different rooms. Our diversity must lead to prosperity, we must work together.”
Tinubu said he has made hard decisions since taking office. These include removing the fuel subsidy and tightening government spending.
“Bold efforts are needed to confront the wastefulness of the past,” he said. “We are laying a strong foundation for a more stable, prosperous, and inclusive economy.”
He even joked about retiring in Anambra. “I am a son of the soil,” Tinubu said. “Governor Soludo, please give me a plot of land here.”
Traditional Honour and Political Support
At Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square, Tinubu received the traditional title “Dike si Mba” which means “Hero from Another Land.” The honour came from Igwe Chidubem Iweka, Chairman of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
Governor Soludo, despite being a member of APGA, showed strong support for the president.
“In 2011, before I joined APGA in 2013, APGA took an official position to support and work with the political party and government at the centre,” Soludo said. “Indeed, in that year, APGA adopted the sitting president then as its presidential candidate, and I want to report that policy by APGA has not changed.”
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Emeka Anyaoku, also spoke at the event. He thanked Tinubu for his role in restoring democracy to Nigeria.
“Your Excellency’s personal records as a NADECO champion of the return of democracy to our country in 1999 inspires my confidence that you will successfully steer the ship of our country through its present serious challenges,” Anyaoku said.
Hundreds of youths gathered at the square, waving placards and chanting in support of Tinubu. They wore T-shirts with his image and sang praise songs, creating a lively atmosphere.
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