Segun Atanda/
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made a triumphant return to Anambra State today, two years after campaigning on the same soil, now as Commander-in-Chief, receiving a hero’s welcome and a rare collective chieftaincy title from all traditional rulers in the state.
The occasion marked a grand state reception and the commissioning of legacy projects by Governor Charles Soludo.
Addressing a packed gathering at Awka, President Tinubu declared himself “a bona fide son of the soil” after being honoured once again by Ndi Anambra.
“In 2005, I was made Omenife Awka by the traditional ruler of Awka. Today, all your traditional rulers have adopted me. I am now one of you,” he said, beaming with pride and jokingly requesting a retirement plot in Anambra.
The President praised Governor Soludo’s visionary leadership, comparing Anambra’s development aspirations to Dubai and Silicon Valley.
“Soludo is a thinker and doer,” Tinubu said. “We’re laying the foundation together for an African-Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley. With this kind of leadership, Anambra is on the rise.”
Tinubu commissioned two landmark projects — the Solution Fun City and the Government House Mini-City — describing them as bold steps toward economic transformation and urban excellence.
“These projects are testaments to what determined leadership can achieve in a short time,” he added.
Amid cheers, Tinubu affirmed federal government commitment to tackling erosion, flooding, abandoned road and rail projects, and the long-stalled Onitsha River Port. He promised to personally break the 43-year-old jinx preventing the port from operating fully.
“Only Asiwaju can do it,” he said.
President Tinubu highlighted economic reforms under his Renewed Hope Agenda, acknowledging the pains caused by subsidy removals and inflation, but assuring citizens of a stabilizing economy.
“We tamed the Atlantic in Lagos. Today, we are taming petroleum and forex monsters. The economy is getting stronger,” he said.
He commended Anambra for leading the way in implementing the new minimum wage and for its growing prominence in tech, manufacturing, and agriculture.
“This is what partnership looks like,” he said, pledging continued federal collaboration for prosperity in the Southeast.
While delivering his welcome address, Soludo said: “Your visit to Anambra State today, Mr. President, is historic and consequential The last state visit by a president was in 2012, ostensibly to commission a brewery and another private enterprise. This visit is not just to commission projects. We have over 500 kilometers of roads, flyovers, bridges completed and waiting for commissioning. We have about five brand new general hospitals and world class trauma center completed, equipped and waiting for commissioning. We have new smart schools and water projects waiting for commissioning. New markets and bus terminal, et cetera, et cetera, waiting for commissioning.”
The day’s climax was the symbolic gesture from the traditional institution, officially making Tinubu an honorary son of Anambra, sealing his bond with the people.
“It is well with Anambra State. It is well with Nigeria,” the President declared as he concluded his address.
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