Anambra State stood still on Thursday as Governor Chukwuma Soludo led thousands of citizens in a resounding welcome for President Bola Tinubu, describing him as the “Professor of Federalism” and a leader with the rare courage to mend Nigeria’s fault lines.
In a day marked by colour, culture and camaraderie, President Tinubu visited the South-East state to inaugurate landmark projects and engage with regional leaders. Governor Soludo, radiating both warmth and statesmanship, hailed the President’s consistent efforts to unify Nigeria’s diverse regions through principled leadership.
“Mr President, your courage in taking tough but necessary decisions to reshape our economy is commendable,” Soludo said in his address at Ekwueme Square, Awka. “Your visit today rekindles hope and reaffirms your commitment to an inclusive Nigeria where every part of the country feels heard and valued.”
The President, whose convoy was greeted by jubilant crowds lining the streets of Awka, was honoured with the revered traditional title Dike Si-mba of Anambra — meaning “Mighty Warrior from Outside” a gesture that underlined the deep cultural hospitality and appreciation of the Igbo people.
Governor Soludo, who has steadily positioned himself as a champion of progressive governance, described Tinubu’s leadership as one rooted in principle and vision. “It is easy to follow a leader who shows clarity, fairness and courage. That is why my support for you is grounded in ideology and conviction,” the governor declared, drawing loud applause from the gathering of traditional rulers, business leaders and citizens.
During the visit, President Tinubu inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the new Anambra Government House, and Solution Fun City a legacy entertainment and tourism project championed under Soludo’s administration.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, also lauded Tinubu’s visit, praising both the President’s outreach and Soludo’s development-driven leadership. “Today we see a synergy between national vision and local excellence,” Chief Anyaoku remarked.
Notably, this marks the first presidential visit to Anambra State in over a decade, a fact Soludo highlighted with pride. “For 13 years we waited, and today Mr President has honoured us. We will not forget this gesture.”
President Tinubu, visibly impressed by the reception and the pace of development in the state, applauded Anambra’s entrepreneurial spirit and assured the South-East of continued federal collaboration.
“I salute the innovation and industry of Ndi Anambra,” Tinubu said. “Our diversity is our strength, and with leaders like Governor Soludo, the path to prosperity is clear.”
The visit is the latest in a series of national engagements aimed at building bridges across Nigeria’s regions.
For Governor Soludo, it was another moment to showcase Anambra as a rising star in Nigeria’s federation and to solidify his stature as a forward-looking bridge-builder in the nation’s politics.
