President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged that his administration is committed to rebuilding and uplifting the Southeast region. He made this known during a state visit to Abia, where he was honored with the traditional title Udo Kpu Enyị 1 of Abia by the state’s traditional rulers in recognition of his efforts in the region.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, spoke at a civic reception held in his honour at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. He highlighted his administration’s support for states across the country and reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to helping them thrive.
Speaking about ongoing infrastructure development, Tinubu pointed to the reconstruction of the Enugu-Umuahia-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway and other projects as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic activity and growth in the Southeast.
He noted that Abia State, among others, has significantly benefited from the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has allowed more funds to flow into development. According to him, Aba is beginning to reclaim its historic status as a commercial hub, thanks to the leadership of Governor Alex Otti.
Tinubu also said the country’s economy is gradually recovering, with improvements in GDP and a decline in inflation. He expressed optimism, saying the worst is behind Nigeria economically. He thanked Southeast leaders for their support and promised to help the people of Abia take greater control of their state’s future.
During the event, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, appreciated the President’s efforts in the region and made a passionate appeal for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, also used the opportunity to call for a seaport in the Southeast to boost trade and economic activity. While praising Governor Otti’s leadership, Kalu urged him to do even more for the state.
He also criticized some governors who fail to acknowledge President Tinubu’s financial support for projects being carried out in their states. According to Kalu, without those funds, many governors would struggle to fulfill their mandates.
Kalu didn’t hold back in criticizing recent demolitions of properties belonging to Nigerians—especially Igbos—in Lagos. He called on the Lagos State government to pursue dialogue and proper documentation of properties instead of demolitions.
Governor Alex Otti, in his speech, thanked President Tinubu for visiting and for commissioning both state and federal projects in Abia. He commended the President’s economic reforms, such as fuel subsidy removal and policy harmonization, which he said have had a positive impact.
Otti also requested that the federal government establish functional rail lines and seaports across the Southeast and South-South to further boost trade. He revealed that he and other Southeast governors are in ongoing discussions with the President regarding the possible release of Nnamdi Kanu, and thanked Tinubu for his interest in the region’s peace and security.
Some of the projects commissioned during the visit included the newly reconstructed 6.7km Port Harcourt Road in Aba, Ohanku Road, Ndoki Road, Ajiwe Street, Umuatako Road, Chief Nkoro Street and Spurs, Abayi, and Gabriel Nwosu Street.
