Tinubu’s Anambra Visit Heralds End of South-East Marginalisation, Says State Government

 

The government of Anambra State has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following his historic visit to the state on May 8, 2025. Describing the visit as a defining moment for the South-East region, the state affirmed that the president’s actions signaled a decisive shift toward ending years of infrastructural neglect and economic sidelining.

Speaking through its Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the state government hailed Tinubu’s visit as a breakthrough in the push for national inclusivity and regional development. The administration credited the positive outcomes of the visit to the strategic engagement and forward-looking leadership of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR.

Highlighting the results of what it called a “strategic ask-list” presented to the president, the state outlined a series of approvals granted by the federal government, many of which have long been on the wish list of Anambra and the broader South-East region.

Among the most transformative decisions was the inclusion of Anambra and the South-East zone in the National Railway Masterplan. The move, according to the state, has the potential to dramatically enhance connectivity and commercial activity between the region and the rest of Nigeria. “This opens up fresh corridors of trade, mobility, and national integration,” the statement emphasized.

Also approved was the integration of the region into Nigeria’s Gas Pipeline Masterplan, a move seen as a catalyst for industrial growth and expanded energy access. The decision is expected to provide critical support to Anambra’s emerging manufacturing and technology sectors, aligning with Governor Soludo’s development agenda.

A long-standing infrastructural concern—the dilapidated federal highway linking Anambra and Kogi States—will finally see progress, following presidential approval for its completion. Officials estimate the upgraded route will cut travel time between Anambra and Abuja by nearly four hours, creating significant economic and logistical benefits.

The president’s Renewed Hope Agenda also includes immediate action on the failed sections of the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, another long-neglected route crucial to regional mobility. The state welcomed the federal government's attention to this long-standing bottleneck, calling it a major breakthrough for both commuters and traders.

Equally crucial was Tinubu’s pledge to support ecological restoration efforts aimed at addressing the pressing erosion challenges facing Anambra. The state described the commitment as timely and essential, given the environmental degradation threatening communities and livelihoods.

Beyond infrastructure, the visit carried symbolic weight as well. President Tinubu accepted a traditional title—Dike-Si-Mba Anambra—from local monarchs, a gesture the government said reflected his generosity, national commitment, and growing affinity with the South-East. “This honor underscores the bond being forged between the presidency and the people of Anambra,” the statement read.

Acknowledgment also came from Tinubu regarding Anambra’s vast potential, as he pledged federal collaboration to support Governor Soludo’s ambitious transformation blueprint. The plan, styled as “African Dubai, Taiwan, Silicon Valley (ADTS),” seeks to position the state as a continental hub of commerce, innovation, and industrial excellence.

One particularly vital item on Governor Soludo’s request list—revitalization of the dormant Onitsha River Port—was raised during the visit, with the state expressing optimism over forthcoming federal action to operationalize the facility. Revamping the port would be a major boost to trade, not just in Anambra but across the South-East and beyond.

Security was also high on the agenda, with Tinubu pledging enduring federal support to tackle ongoing threats in the region. The assurance was met with gratitude from the state government, which reiterated its readiness to work hand-in-hand with the Federal Government to restore lasting peace and stability.

The Anambra State Government characterized the presidential visit as not only a political milestone but a moral and developmental victory for a region long yearning for equity and attention. Calling it “a triumph of justice and visionary partnership,” the state reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative governance and pledged to ensure that the approved initiatives materialize into concrete benefits for citizens.

“This is not just a visit. It is a statement of intent, a declaration of inclusion, and a promise of a better future for the people of Anambra and the South-East,” the statement concluded.