It was a day to remember in Anambra State as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu touched down in Awka on Thursday, May 8, 2025, to the embrace of a grateful and jubilant people. The streets came alive with colour, music, and cheer as the South-East rolled out the red carpet for Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief.
This visit, Tinubu’s second to the South-East this year, was more than ceremonial—it was deeply symbolic. It spoke to his growing commitment to national inclusion, unity, and genuine dialogue with every region of the country.
From the moment his convoy entered Awka, the atmosphere turned festive. Banners waved, drums rolled, and the people welcomed him in the true Igbo spirit—with warmth, respect, and unfiltered excitement. It was no surprise when the President was conferred with the revered traditional title Dike Si-mba of Anambra, a declaration that he is not just a visitor, but one of our own.
The President’s itinerary was a blend of diplomacy, development, and cultural affirmation. He inaugurated the Emeka Anyaoku Institute of International Studies and Diplomacy at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, the new Government House, and the Solution Fun City, a new entertainment and youth engagement hub.
At Ekwueme Square, President Tinubu addressed a large gathering of leaders, stakeholders, and citizens from across the South-East. His message was clear and powerful:
“Our diversity is our strength. South-East, I honour your drive, innovation, and unwavering commitment to progress.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo, welcoming the President, described the visit as “a bridge-building milestone.” He praised Tinubu’s political courage and reformist leadership, noting that Anambra had not witnessed a presidential visit of this magnitude since 2012.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku, in his remarks, expressed appreciation for the President’s inclusive and statesmanlike posture, describing him as “a leader who listens and leads with heart.”
The visit follows a pattern of grassroots engagement by the President—he began the year in Enugu, and earlier in May, visited Katsina to address national security challenges in the North-West. With every stop, Tinubu has reinforced a vision of Nigeria as one house with many rooms—each valued, each respected.
For Anambra, the visit was more than a courtesy call—it was a moment of affirmation. It reminded Ndi Anambra that they are central to the Nigerian story, and that their voices, innovation, and culture are not just heard, but cherished.
Indeed, leadership, as President Tinubu has shown, is not just about governance from a distance. It is about presence, humility, and connection. And on that score, Anambra saw a President not just in title but in action.
