Shettima: Tinubu’s Projects Transforming South-East

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has credited President Bola Tinubu’s administration with improving security and driving economic development in the South-East through infrastructure investments, agricultural support and human capital programmes.

Shettima made the remarks on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

He said the Nigerian government initiatives in the region were designed to improve road connectivity, strengthen food production, create economic opportunities and address longstanding development needs.

The vice-president pointed to infrastructure projects and federal appointments as evidence of the administration’s commitment to Ebonyi, saying the state had received tangible benefits in return for its political support.

Shettima maintained that the government had remained committed to the state and had responded to its support through projects and appointments under Tinubu.

“We have never turned our backs on you. We have answered your support with projects and His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has honoured Ebonyi through distinguished appointments and projects across the state,” he said.

He described public office as a responsibility that requires leaders to improve the lives of citizens, adding that the administration was seeking another mandate to continue its programmes.

According to him, democracy also requires elected leaders to return to the people and seek their renewed support based on their record in office.

“If any state can speak with confidence about the dividends of democracy, it is Ebonyi. You have stood by us. You have assured us that a mandate is a debt of honour, repayable only through service,” he said.

“Yet democracy demands the humility of asking again. We have returned to seek the renewal of your mandate, to serve you, to defend you, and to stand by you.”

On infrastructure, Shettima identified the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja superhighway as a major project expected to improve trade links between the South-East, North-Central and other parts of the country.

He also listed the Ndibe Bridge, which is expected to connect Ebonyi with Cross River State, alongside ongoing construction work on the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja expressway and the Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road.

He said the projects would ease the transportation of farm produce and manufactured goods, while reducing the difficulties businesses face moving products across the region.

Turning to agriculture, Shettima described Ebonyi as an important contributor to Nigeria’s food supply, particularly through rice and cassava production.

He said the Government was providing support to farmers through fertiliser distribution, interest-free FarmerMoni assistance and other agricultural programmes.

The vice-president also disclosed that thousands of residents had received grants under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, while federal employment and digital skills initiatives were providing opportunities for young people.

On security, Shettima said the Tinubu administration had stepped up efforts to restore stability across the South-East, arguing that economic growth could not be sustained without protecting residents, businesses and critical infrastructure.

He cited the establishment and commencement of operations at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi State, as part of the government’s security interventions in the region.

Shettima said security conditions in the South-East had improved since Tinubu assumed office, adding that the administration would continue its efforts to restore order.

“The security of the south-east has changed since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu became Commander-in-Chief over three years ago. We have worked to restore order, and we will keep working,” he said.

He also highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission, the launch of the South-East Vision 2050 and the approval of the South East Investment Company as measures intended to promote regional development and attract investment.

The vice-president praised Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for directing increased federal allocations towards infrastructure and essential services.

Nwifuru, who also addressed the rally, reaffirmed the state’s support for Tinubu, crediting the administration’s economic reforms and road projects with improving conditions in Ebonyi.

He said road infrastructure across the state and the wider region had improved through special federal interventions.

The governor, however, appealed to the Government to provide a 330kV electricity transmission line to strengthen power supply across Ebonyi.

He also pledged that the state would deliver 80 per cent of its votes to Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.