President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Anambra State took a surprising turn when he publicly asked for a retirement home in the southeastern state.
The request was made during a warm reception held in his honour, following the commissioning of several completed infrastructure projects across the region.
Addressing a lively crowd, the president stirred reactions when he said, “Maybe my friend and your governor, Charles Soludo, should find me a plot of land for my retirement home after service.”
He added with a light-hearted tone, “You don’t have to move me from the Villa for only one week. Give me a permanent abode.”
Tinubu’s words may have drawn laughter and applause from supporters at the event, but among ordinary Nigerians, especially those facing economic hardship, his comments sparked mixed feelings.
During the reception, Tinubu also reflected on his ties to Anambra. “
Many of my friends are from Anambra State, and I have seen many of them today,” he said proudly.
He continued, “Going forward, we are not just friends. I am now a bona-fide son of the soil – one of you, your own son.”
His statements followed the conferment of a traditional title by the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council.
The president was honoured with the title Dike si Mba, which translates to Warrior from the Diaspora.
The title was awarded by all royal fathers representing the 179 communities in the state.
According to Chidubem Iweka, chairperson of the council and the traditional ruler of Obosi, the honour was based on Tinubu’s visible role in national development.
“This is a title from all the royal fathers in the 179 communities of Anambra State,” Iweka said.
In his acceptance speech, Tinubu recalled a similar honour given to him in 2005 by another traditional ruler in the state.
“To have all the traditional rulers of Anambra confer another title on me is not only historic but one which I will greatly treasure for the rest of my life,” the president noted with gratitude.
However, beyond the applause and ceremony, many Nigerians are calling for deeper reflection from political leaders.
The country is grappling with inflation, insecurity, and youth unemployment.
Therefore, the request for a retirement home in Anambra may have come in a joking manner, the tone of the times calls for seriousness.
Moreover, the honour given should translate into more inclusive policies that bridge gaps between government and the governed.
