In a major boost for infrastructure development across Nigeria, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has commended President Bola Tinubu for approving two critical federal road projects in the South-East region. The announcement comes as a significant relief to residents and businesses in the area who have for decades contended with poor road networks and decaying infrastructure.
The approvals mark a clear turning point for a region that has long grappled with infrastructure neglect. According to Governor Soludo, the newly approved roads represent more than just asphalt and bridges. They represent renewed hope, improved connectivity, and a federal government that is finally paying attention to the developmental needs of the South-East, South-South and North-Central zones. He noted that better road networks will not only ease the movement of people and goods but will also stimulate trade, attract investors, and reduce the cost of transportation for ordinary citizens.
In a post on his official X handle on Thursday, Governor Soludo welcomed the Federal Government’s approval for the design and procurement of the two key road projects. The first is the Otuocha-Anam-Abaji Road, a strategic route that links Anambra State directly to Kogi State and by extension to the North-Central region. The second is the Oba-Nnewi-Uga-Ihube Road, a vital economic corridor that connects Anambra and Imo States to the busy Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway. Soludo described the approvals as clear proof of President Tinubu’s determination to reconstruct the South-East and to tackle the region’s long-standing infrastructural challenges head-on.
The Governor did not hide his excitement over the development. “I can’t contain my joy and that of my people regarding the great news from DIKESIMBA Anambra; DIKESIMBA NDIGBO, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Soludo said. He added, “Certainly, President Tinubu has a date with history, and even more so with the South-East. He continues to demonstrate his avowed commitment to orchestrating the reconstruction of the South-East, thereby finally healing the wounds of the Civil War.” According to him, several unprecedented and foundational infrastructural rebirths are already taking shape across the region, and the latest approvals further strengthen the Federal Government’s commitment to balanced regional development.
Governor Soludo also gave insight into how the approvals came about, tracing the process back to a meeting with the President. “I met the President on Wednesday, July 1. The next day, the Honourable Minister for Works and Infrastructure, our own ever-productive and beloved Senator Dave Umahi, contacted me to send him the details of the roads we had repeatedly discussed,” he said. He explained that the full details of the two projects were forwarded to the Ministry of Works on July 3, while confirmation of the approvals was received on Tuesday. “July 15, I received a message from the Minister of Works that the President has graciously approved both roads for design and procurement. What can I say?” he asked.
Describing the projects as transformative, Soludo said the roads would significantly enhance movement and economic activities not just within Anambra, but across the South-East, South-South and North-Central regions. “These two roads constitute critical game-changers for the South-East, South-South and North-Central. The man who tamed the Atlantic Ocean in Lagos is certainly redefining politics, and the South-East won’t be the same again,” he stated. He emphasized that infrastructure is the backbone of any economy and that these roads will open up new opportunities for agriculture, manufacturing, and commerce.
The Governor also used the opportunity to speak on the importance of constructive engagement in governance. “For me personally, this is why politics makes sense to me: working collaboratively and building alliances to achieve concrete results that improve the lives of the people,” he said. He concluded his statement by expressing deep appreciation to the President. “Thank you, Asiwaju! History will be kind to you.”
This development is expected to reduce travel time between states, lower the cost of goods, and attract more private and public investment into the South-East once construction begins.
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