Soludo Backs Tinubu Reforms as First Lady Launches Food Bank, Commissions ICT Centre in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has thrown his weight behind the economic reforms and development agenda of President Bola Tinubu, describing the partnership between the Federal Government and the state as a model for effective governance.

Soludo spoke during the visit of Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to Anambra State, where she launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East and commissioned a state-of-the-art Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Centre at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.

The First Lady, who was received at the Chinua Achebe Airport, Umueri, by Governor Soludo and his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, also visited the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council in Awka and attended a formal reception at Ekwueme Square.

At the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Senator Tinubu commissioned the ICT Centre, which is equipped to provide young people with training in software development, data analysis and remote-work skills.

The project is aimed at expanding access to digital skills and creating opportunities for youths to participate in the growing technology and digital economy.

She later proceeded to the Old Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, where she officially launched the National Community Food Bank Programme for the South-East geopolitical zone.

The initiative is designed to provide support to vulnerable groups, including widows, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, nursing mothers and young children.

Speaking at Ekwueme Square, Governor Soludo praised the Federal Government’s reform agenda, saying the Nigerian economy required urgent intervention when President Tinubu assumed office.

“The economy was in dire need of resuscitation when Tinubu assumed office,” Soludo said, while expressing support for the administration’s macroeconomic and infrastructure policies.

The governor also highlighted the importance of collaboration across political lines, noting that the partnership between his All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) demonstrated that political differences should not stand in the way of development.

According to him, Anambra would work to ensure that federal interventions reach residents at the grassroots.

Soludo announced plans to establish community food banks at all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across the state, leveraging the state’s “Onye aghana nwanne ya” philosophy of communal support.

The governor described Senator Tinubu as a compassionate mother and philanthropist whose initiatives had made an impact on vulnerable Nigerians.

He also commended his wife, Mrs Nonye Soludo, for complementing the First Lady’s interventions through her own empowerment and social-support programmes in Anambra.

During her visit to the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Senator Tinubu stressed the continuing importance of traditional institutions in preserving the culture, heritage and communal values of Nigerians.

“Our young people should know that there are people in charge of the land where they live,” she said, while urging youths to respect traditional leadership and cultural heritage.

In recognition of her humanitarian and social interventions, the Anambra State Traditional Rulers’ Council conferred the traditional title of “Ugoeze Anambra” on the First Lady. The title was presented by the Traditional Ruler of Obosi, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, who represented the council.

Responding, Senator Tinubu expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers, saying Anambra held a special place in her heart.

She urged Nigerians to promote unity and solidarity while supporting efforts aimed at building a stronger and more equitable nation.

The First Lady also witnessed the launch of an empowerment programme initiated by Mrs Nonye Soludo, which targeted 5,000 beneficiaries.

As part of her support for the programme, Senator Tinubu announced an additional N100,000 for each of the 5,000 beneficiaries, bringing further financial support to the empowerment initiative.

Federal ministers and heads of government agencies who attended the event also commended the First Lady’s humanitarian and empowerment programmes, particularly her efforts to support vulnerable Nigerians and expand opportunities for ordinary citizens.

The activities in Anambra formed part of Senator Tinubu’s broader interventions focused on food security, youth empowerment, digital skills development and social inclusion.