Vice-President Kashim Shettima has stated that President Bola Tinubu's administration is making significant strides in driving economic and security transformation across Nigeria's south-east region. Speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Mr Shettima highlighted the Federal Government's investments in various sectors, including transportation, renewable energy, agriculture, housing, and human capital development. These investments aim to unlock the region's economic potential and address longstanding development challenges.
The Vice-President cited several major infrastructure projects as evidence of Mr Tinubu's commitment to Ebonyi and the wider South-east region. These projects include the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, which is expected to strengthen trade and economic integration across regions. Additionally, the Ndibe Bridge, connecting Ebonyi with Cross River State, and the ongoing Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Expressway, as well as the Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River Road, are underway to ease transportation and facilitate the movement of goods.
Mr Shettima emphasized that improved road connectivity would reduce logistical challenges, enhance access to markets, and increase business opportunities across the region. Ebonyi State, he noted, is a major contributor to Nigeria's food security, particularly through rice and cassava production. The Federal Government is supporting farmers through initiatives such as fertiliser distribution, interest-free FarmerMoni assistance, and other agricultural development programmes.
The Vice-President also disclosed that thousands of Ebonyi residents have benefited from grants under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme and other federal employment and digital skills initiatives. Furthermore, he said the Tinubu administration has intensified efforts to restore stability across the South-east, stressing that economic development depends on safe communities and businesses.
On security, Mr Shettima identified the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot at Amasiri-Edda, Ebonyi, as one of the Federal Government's interventions to strengthen security in the region. The establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the inauguration of South-East Vision 2050, and the approval of the South-East Investment Company are initiatives designed to accelerate regional development, attract investments, and create sustainable economic opportunities.
Mr Shettima urged Ebonyi residents to renew their support for Mr Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, describing public office as a responsibility that must translate into tangible benefits. He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for directing increased state resources towards development projects and praised his administration's efforts at responsible governance.
Earlier, Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, attributed the massive turnout at the rally to Ebonyi's support for the APC and Mr Tinubu. He thanked the president for federal investments in road infrastructure across the state, involving hundreds of kilometres of highways and billions of naira in funding. Mr Shettima also visited Fidelis Nwonumara, Eze Nnodo II of Amagu Autonomous Community, where he received the chieftaincy title, Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, symbolising truth, integrity, and distinguished service.
Key points
- The Tinubu administration is investing in infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development to unlock the south-east region's economic potential.
- The Federal Government has initiated several major infrastructure projects, including highways and bridges, to ease transportation and facilitate the movement of goods.
- The administration has also intensified efforts to restore stability across the South-east, with initiatives such as the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot and the South-East Development Commission.
