Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo assured Nigerians of a stronger and better country under President Ahmed Tinubu, if re-elected in next year’s election.
He spoke at the Alex Ekwueme Square during the flag-off of Statewide Empowerment Programme of Mrs Nonye Soludo and the inauguration of First Lady’s Food Bank programme for the South East geo-political zone.
No fewer than 5,000 beneficiaries across the 21 Local Government Areas received business grants, vocational tools, and equipment for agriculture and agro-processing, beauty care, and small-scale enterprise.
The governor said despite inheriting an economy he described as cancer patient, the future of the nation remains bright in the next four years of Tinubu’s administration.
He said: ‘Today is not a day to elaborate on President Tinubu’s accomplishments for humanity, especially in the area of macro-economics and infrastructure restructuring and insecurity and human capital.
‘It’s impact on the Anambra people are evident. For those who complain now, let me assure you that I see hope with the renewed hope agenda.
‘Most people didn’t know the state of economy inherited by President Bola Tinubu and the absolute necessity of the emergency surgical operation required.
‘A cancer patient will obviously feel the pains of surgery, but the patient is guaranteed not to die of the cancer.
‘The future is brighter. I’m convinced that the next four years of President Tinubu will most probably and certainly see a stronger and fairer Nigeria.’
Soludo added: ‘In Anambra, progressives are working together. This is not just a slogan, it’s a statement of truth.
‘The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the oldest progressive political party registered in 2002, while APC came about 12 years later.
‘Even in APC, there’s part of APGA DNA. That’s why we say APGA is Anambra and Anambra is APGA. But progressives in Nigeria have no choice but to work together for Nigeria’s greatness.
‘As progressives, we’re united to see a Nigeria where there is shared and sustainable prosperity with opportunities for all.
‘So far, ours is a partnership that works, a partnership with APGA and federal government and APC.
‘That’s why Mama Anambra is in support of the First lady’s various empowerment programmes, a testament that progressives are working together.
‘At the federal level, the APGA legislatures are working with APC caucus to advance our national agenda.
‘We are working very hard to cascade federal reforms down to the grassroots in order to impact the people. We’re determined to build a future that ensures that nobody is left behind.’
Hundreds of APGA and APC supporters listened to Soludo at the event.
First Lady give N500m to beneficiaries
Speaking during a reception in her honour, Senator Tinubu lauded the achievements of the governor and his wife.
The first lady, who thanked Mrs. Soludo for empowering the 5,000 beneficiaries, supported the initiative with N500million.
Each of the 5000 beneficiaries received N100,000.
The event which almost turned into a carnival by APGA and APC members, was witnessed by many political and cultural groups in attendance.
The First Lady also thanked the traditional rulers for the honour as well as the entire state for the rousing welcome, promising to repeat the visit.
She said: ‘Anambra holds a very special space in my heart. Igbos are very nice people, very hospitable. My best friend in secondary school was an Igbo girl.
‘We’ve gone to all the six geo-political zones of the state. We didn’t go on a wide goose chase. Instead, it was a mission accomplished.’
Soludo expressed appreciation to the first lady for the choice of Anambra for the food bank initiative.
He said she had demonstrated that public service remained the greatest platform for philanthropy.
Soludo said: ‘We’ve come principally to receive and celebrate the Nigeria’s first lady. A loving mother, very supportive wife and a woman that cares for humanity.
‘As a very good pastor, you seem to be living out the full meaning of the scriptures in Matt 25:35-40. ‘I was hungry, and you fed me, I was naked and you clothed me’..’
‘You’ve also demonstrated that public service is the greatest platform for philanthropy. You’ve lived out the Christian calling. Thanks for all you do for us. God will continue to reward you abundantly.
‘My wife is here to support you as she has always done. She has expanded your program of compassion. Her empowerment of 5000 women is a testament that progressive are working together.