REMARKS BY GOVERNOR CHUKWUMA SOLUDO, DURING THE STATE VISIT OF PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ANAMBRA
1. Protocols.
2. On behalf of the government and the proud people of Anambra State, I warmly welcome you, Mr. President, to our beloved homeland — a land widely regarded as the Light of the Nation. Nnoo Asiwaju! Nnoo Omenife Awka! This is the home of visionaries, pioneers, and national icons — from the legendary Zik of Africa to leaders like Nwafor Orizu, Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme, and many more. We also take pride in our spiritual and cultural giants, our business leaders, and innovators. You are in a state teeming with potential — proudly one of the safest in Nigeria in recent months, and firmly grounded in progressive ideals.
3. Your visit is both historic and deeply symbolic. It’s been over a decade since a sitting President last visited our state. Unlike previous visits focused on private-sector milestones, today’s occasion highlights public infrastructure that directly touches lives. From over 500km of newly completed roads and bridges, to state-of-the-art general hospitals and trauma centres, to smart schools, water facilities, and new urban centres — our development strides reflect the scale of our ambition. The projects you unveil today, including two smart cities and a symbolic 8-lane boulevard, are a glimpse into our dream of a transformed Anambra. And believe me, Mr. President — the best is yet to come!
4. Our development vision is guided by urgency and clarity. Inspired by the Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley model for Africa, we are executing a 50-Year Master Plan to shift Anambra from a transit point to a destination of prosperity. Details of our progress are outlined in the event brochure — suffice it to say, Anambra is on an irreversible path of growth.
5. Today, we also celebrate your leadership, Mr. President. Thank you for the decisive steps taken to stabilize the nation’s economy, which was riddled with challenges when you assumed office. While there’s still a long road ahead, key foundations are already being laid. Your commitment to inclusive governance is evident in the appointments of distinguished Ndi Anambra such as Amb. Bianca Ojukwu and Mark Okoye to significant national roles.
Your longstanding commitment to federalism is well noted. As Governor of Lagos, you appointed an Anambra son, Ben Akabueze, as a commissioner — a reflection of your Pan-Nigerian spirit. Similarly, here in Anambra, we’ve appointed a Permanent Secretary from Osun State. We thank you also for the critical federal road projects currently underway across our state, which will no doubt unlock enormous economic value once completed.
6. Our collaboration with the federal government spans numerous sectors: education, healthcare, technology, agriculture, and infrastructure, among others. Notably, Anambra was recognized with $1.2 million in performance awards for our outstanding work in primary healthcare — a national and regional first.
7. Still, more federal support is urgently needed in key areas. Erosion is a major threat here — with a third of our land facing degradation, requiring resources well beyond state capacity. We’re also missing from the national gas and rail networks. The Onitsha River Port remains unused due to lack of dredging. Only a visionary leader like yourself — who once reclaimed the Atlantic — can unlock its potential. Also pending is the vital road linking Anambra and Kogi, which could dramatically cut travel time between the Southeast and Abuja.
8. Beyond Anambra, we recognize that the success of Nigeria depends on your success. We stand ready to support you fully. Our shared ideological history in the push for true federalism is well established — both of us have long championed progressive principles. My journey with APGA is rooted in those same values, which continue to guide our governance model today.
From free education and healthcare to youth empowerment, agribusiness support, and pro-poor tax policies — we are building a state that truly reflects centre-left, people-focused ideals. And we are doing this with conviction and results.
9. APGA’s strategic policy since 2011 has been to support the government at the centre — a position unchanged today. As it turns out, the government at the centre also shares our progressive ideals. It is time for all like-minded political groups — federalists, centrists, and social democrats — to come together for a greater Nigeria. We believe you, Mr. President, are the leader to unify that movement.
10. Thank you once more for visiting Anambra and for the honour you’ve shown to our people. The Presidential Lodge is ready, and we hope to host you again soon. Perhaps a working visit based out of Anambra isn’t a bad idea?
May God bless Anambra State.
May God bless Asiwaju, our Dikesimba.
May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
