No fewer than eight governors, two senators, members of House of Representatives led by Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, among others escorted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a working visit to Anambra State on Thursday.
The governors were Peter Mbah (Enugu), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inua Yahaya (Gombe), Alex Oti (Abia), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) while Ebonyi State Francis Nwifuru was represented by his Deputy Mrs Patricia Obila.
Others are National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Miniater of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Ojukwu; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Victor Umeh; Managing Director, South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye, among others.
President Tinubu was in Awka, capital of Anambra state to commission the Emeka Anyaoku Institute for International Studies and Diplomacy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University; New Government House; Governor’s Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Complex, Presidential Lodge, Solution Fun City, Anambra Tower of Light, Heroes Statutes, Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, among others.
After commissioning the above projects, President Bola Tinubu stormed Dr Alex Ekwueme Square Awka where mammoth crowd had gathered in wait for him.
Responding, the President promised that his administration will continue to partner with Anambra state to secure people of the state and their future.
He noted that the abandoned road project linking Anambra and Kogi will be tackled to link Anambra to Abuja geared towards achieving fastest gateway between Abuja, South East and South Southern part of the country.
According to President Tinubu, Anambra will be accommodated in the railway design master plan of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
“I come here as a friend to the great people of Anambra and the South East. Anambra is a beacon of commerce, intellect and cultural strength; a pride not only to the South East but Nigeria as a whole.
“Together with the massive infrastructure transformation and human capital development, these are bold statement of vision and what leadership can achieve within a short time.
Speaking on the Governor, Tinubu described Soludo as his friend who he will continue to work together inclusively.
“From what I have seen and heard here, a solid foundation has been laid. And Anambra is on the rise.
“With the progressive ideological alliance, we we will continue to partner the state to deliver shared properity to Anambra people and all Nigerians.
“We are one family in the same house called Nigeria but lives in different room, therefore our diversity must lead to prosperity,” Tinubu concluded.
Also, at the event, the traditional rulers from the 179 communities of Anambra State, conferred on President Bola Tinubu with the chieftaincy title of ‘Dike si mba Anambra’.
The Chairman of Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Chidubem Iweka (Ogalagidi, Eze Iweka III), performed performed the corronation.
Igwe Iweka, while conferring the chieftaincy title on the President, said, “This is a title from all the royal fathers in the 179 communities of Anambra State. The title is called ‘Dike si mba Anambra’, meaning ‘warrior from the Anambra’, and it is in recognition of your good works across the country.
“We welcome you to Anambra, and we salute you for honouring our invitation. Your efforts in governance are positively impacting every nook and cranny of the country.
“With your efforts, we have seen critical infrastructure such as key roads that connect the Second Niger Bridge as well as other projects in our communities. May God continue to offer you more wisdom to steer the ship of governance.”
Tinubu, in his acceptance, thanked the traditional rulers for the chieftaincy title, saying, “I feel deeply honoured by the conferment of a chieftaincy title by the royal fathers of this state. Today is not only historic, but one which I will forever treasure for the rest of my life.”
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo whose administration executed almost all the commissioned projects, promised to do more for the good of the state.###
