Anambra Is Safe: Presidential Visit Reaffirms Anambra’s Security Gains – Police Chief

 

A renewed sense of security confidence now echoes across Anambra State following the official visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The visit, which included the inauguration of several landmark projects, has been described by the state’s Police Command as a testament to the improving safety and security profile of the region.

Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, through a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, praised the peaceful and well-organized nature of the presidential tour. According to the police authority, the President’s presence and the successful coordination of his itinerary across Awka, the state capital, sends a strong message that Anambra is indeed a secure environment for both its residents and guests.

President Tinubu’s itinerary during his one-day working visit was marked by high-level inaugurations, reflecting the state’s commitment to infrastructure development and intellectual advancement. At the heart of the day’s events was the unveiling of the ultra-modern Anambra State Government House — a symbol of institutional continuity and administrative efficiency. Also launched was the Solution Fun City, a public-oriented recreational center envisioned by the state government to boost tourism and youth engagement.

Another highlight of the president’s engagements was the commissioning of two significant residential facilities: the Governor’s Lodge and the Presidential Lodge. These edifices are expected to serve as official residences for the governor and visiting dignitaries, providing a touch of modern governance aesthetics to the state’s leadership infrastructure.

In an academic flourish, President Tinubu also inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy Centre, located at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. The institute, named after the renowned diplomat and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, is envisioned as a hub for advanced studies and strategic international dialogue. The facility further cements Anambra’s role as a beacon of educational excellence and a growing center for global diplomatic engagement.

The peaceful conduct of the entire visit did not go unnoticed by security stakeholders. Commissioner Orutugu emphasized that such a high-profile event could not have taken place without effective coordination, vigilance, and the unwavering cooperation of the public. The commissioner expressed deep appreciation to the people of Anambra for their understanding and support before, during, and after the visit.

Security personnel, according to Orutugu, demonstrated commendable professionalism and resilience. Their ability to anticipate, plan, and execute the security blueprint for the visit was lauded as a reflection of heightened inter-agency synergy. He further noted that this milestone confirms the outcome of recent reforms in the state’s policing architecture and the increased intelligence-sharing mechanisms across security formations.

“There is no better indicator of a safe and secure state than the successful hosting of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His Excellency's presence in Awka, combined with the peaceful atmosphere and enthusiastic public reception, confirms that Anambra State has come a long way in terms of security stabilization,” Orutugu stated.

Beyond ceremonial significance, the police commissioner stressed that the visit should serve as a morale booster to both the populace and those in the security service. He noted that such visits often put immense pressure on security systems, but the flawless execution of security plans was proof that the state can now efficiently handle complex logistics and security challenges.

Security has remained a top priority for both the state and federal governments, especially given Anambra’s history with isolated cases of violence and insecurity in the past. The Commissioner reiterated that proactive strategies, including increased community policing, technological surveillance, and sustained collaboration with local stakeholders, have significantly changed the narrative.

Residents have also begun to express optimism that the visibility the state gained through the President’s visit will open doors for more investments, tourism, and national attention. Many see it as a turning point in the state's quest for greater economic integration and peace.

Orutugu concluded his remarks with a rallying call to maintain the momentum, encouraging continued public support for law enforcement efforts. He stressed that the duty of securing the state does not lie solely with the police but with every citizen willing to contribute to peace and order.

The Anambra Police Command affirmed its commitment to sustaining the gains recorded and pledged to continue working closely with sister agencies and community leaders. The visit, they said, was not just a presidential tour — it was a symbolic reaffirmation of trust, capability, and the enduring promise of a safer Anambra.