…Commissions Solution Fun City, Government House Mini-City in Anambra
…Says minimum wage implemented in Anambra exceeds national benchmark
…As Soludo declares APGA’s loyalty to Tinubu, chides Obi’s political maneuvering
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain patient and resilient as his administration implements tough but necessary reforms.
Speaking on Thursday during his official state visit and grand civic reception in Awka, Anambra State, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national prosperity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing a packed audience of traditional rulers, political leaders, and enthusiastic citizens, the President stated, “As your president, I am pleased to assure you that the nation’s state is strong and getting stronger by the day under our Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He revealed the daunting challenges inherited at the start of his administration but noted that firm decisions had been taken to reverse years of economic stagnation.
According to him, “We met near-insolvent public finance, a decades-old monster of unsustainable multiple subsidies, a chaotic and debilitating forex regime, etc. Like we tamed the Atlantic in Lagos, many of these monsters have been tackled: petroleum and forex subsidies have been tamed; macroeconomic stability has returned within predictable bounds; tax reforms are on the way.
“We plead with Nigerians for their patience and understanding.”
Recognising the toll that the reforms have taken on everyday Nigerians, President Tinubu called for calm and national unity.
He said, “We continue to plead with Nigerians for their patience and understanding. We call on all patriots and progressives to rise and continue to work hard every day for the greatness of our dear country. We have no other country but Nigeria. We must make it great as the pride of the black race.”
Also, in a bid to cushion the impact of economic reforms, President Tinubu announced improvements to worker welfare. He commended Anambra State for not only adopting the federal minimum wage but exceeding it.
“I am particularly happy that the Government of Anambra State has fully implemented the new minimum wage, and I understand that you are paying above the National minimum.”
“Soludo is a thinker; we’re working together.”
The President used the occasion to reaffirm his strong working relationship with Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo.
“Charles Soludo has been my friend since 2003, and I can also confirm that we are working together for a better Anambra and Nigeria.
“I recall vividly telling you then, ‘Charles Soludo, your son…is still my friend. I salute his vision. He is a brilliant man. He has the brain. He is a thinker. He knows the way. We will work together inclusively,” he added.
During the visit, President Tinubu commissioned two major infrastructure projects: the Solution Fun City and the Government House mini-city. He praised the ambition behind Anambra’s “African-Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley” (ADTS) vision.
“A few years ago, Dubai was largely a desert. Today, it is a global hub because one man dared to dream. Anambra has huge potential, and with Soludo, we can all work together to fast-track the vision.”
The President also expressed deep gratitude for the warm reception and traditional honour bestowed upon him by Anambra’s royal fathers.
“In 2005, the traditional ruler of Awka, HRH Gibson Nwosu (Eze Uzu II), conferred on me the title of OMENIFE AWKA. To have ALL the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me today is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life.”
He added humorously: “Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service.”
President Tinubu wrapped up his speech on an optimistic note, expressing his faith in Nigeria’s future.
“It is well with Anambra State! It is well with Nigeria!! God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
On the other hand, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has officially declared the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)’s support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Speaking during President Tinubu’s official visit to Anambra State on Thursday, Soludo emphasised APGA’s long-standing policy of aligning with the ruling party at the federal level.
Addressing a crowd at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Soludo reaffirmed the party’s strategic support for the APC-led government.
“In 2011, before I joined APGA in 2013, the party had already taken a position to work with the government at the centre. That policy has not changed. Today, we reaffirm that as the foremost progressive party in Nigeria, APGA is ideologically and strategically aligned with the centre under President Tinubu,” Soludo said.
Soludo, who has had a rocky relationship with Peter Obi, used the occasion to indirectly chide his predecessor’s political strategy, suggesting that grandstanding outside the corridors of power achieves little.
“Now is not the time for political theatrics. It is time for progressives to unite for the sake of a better Nigeria,” he said.
The governor’s remarks come amid speculation that Obi may contest the 2027 presidential election, following his strong performance in 2023 under the Labour Party.
However, Soludo’s message was clear: APGA is not backing Obi’s ambition.
President Tinubu, in his response, praised Soludo as a “visionary and competent leader,” commending his infrastructural strides in Anambra.
The President commissioned several landmark projects during his visit, including the state’s first Government House and the Emeka Anyaoku Centre at Nnamdi Azikiwe University.
Tinubu was also conferred with the chieftaincy title Dike Si Mba (Hero from Another Land) by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, further cementing the political symbolism of the visit.
