Ebonyi Flag-off: FG’s interventions aimed at unlocking South-East economy – Shettima

by · The Eagle Online

The interventions of President Bola Tinubu-led federal government in Ebonyi State and other parts of the South-East are aimed at strengthening economic integration, improving connectivity, boosting food production and addressing development challenges that had limited the region’s economic potential over the years.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima stated this on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential campaign flag-off rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, emphasized that the administration is driving economic transformation in the South-East through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, security, renewable energy and human capital development.

“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.

Highlighting infrastructure, Shettima listed the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue-Kogi-Nasarawa-Abuja Superhighway, the Ndibe Bridge linking Ebonyi with Cross River State, the Enugu-Abakaliki-Ogoja Expressway and the Okposi-Ohaozara-Ukawu-Cross River road.

He said improved road connectivity would facilitate movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities across states.

On agriculture, Shettima described Ebonyi as a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security, particularly in rice and cassava production.

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He said the Federal Government was supporting farmers through fertiliser distribution, interest-free FarmerMoni assistance and other initiatives, while investments in rural roads would improve market access and increase farmers’ earnings.

He added that thousands of residents had benefited from grants under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, while federal employment and digital skills programmes were creating opportunities for young people.

On security, he said the Tinubu administration had intensified efforts to restore peace in the South-East, stressing that sustainable development could only thrive in a secure environment.

He cited the establishment of the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot at Amasiri-Edda area of the state as one of the interventions.

“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.

Shettima also identified the South-East Development Commission, the South-East Vision 2050 and the South-East Investment Company as strategic initiatives to attract investments and accelerate regional development.

He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for deploying increased federal allocations to development projects, describing it as responsible stewardship, and urged Ebonyians to renew their support for President Tinubu in 2027.

In his remarks, Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed Ebonyi’s support for President Tinubu, saying the state had benefited from economic reforms and special road interventions.

“Under President Tinubu, the poor roads in our state and zone are now better. We now enjoy special road interventions,” he said.

The Governor appealed for a 330kV electricity transmission line to improve power supply, stressing that reliable electricity was critical to industrial development.

He assured the President that Ebonyi would deliver 80 per cent of its votes to him in 2027.

Also speaking, Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended Tinubu for unprecedented federal investments in road infrastructure in Ebonyi, involving hundreds of kilometres of highways and billions of naira in funding.

He expressed confidence that Ebonyi would deliver 1.3 million votes to the President.

Others who spoke, including the Director- General of the APC campaign council, Abdulaziz Yari; the Southeast Coordinator, APC’s campaign council and Governor of Enugu state, Dr. Peter Mbah, and the chairman of Progressive Governor’s forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, among others, extolled the leadership courage and ingenuity of President Tinubu which has continued to positively impact on the economic and other sectors of the country.

They urged Ndigbo to reciprocate the President’s gestures come 2027 by voting massively for him and other APC candidates.

“This is more than a rally. It is a defining moment for Ndi igbo. The President has shown that he can confront and conquer challenges.

“Ours is to come out en masse to vote him come January 16, 2027 to renew his mandate for continuity,” Mbah summed.

The Vice President, had earlier on arrival paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Izzi Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, Eze Nnodo II of Amagu community, where he was conferred with the chieftaincy title, of ‘Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa’, which is interpreted as “The Moon which hands cannot cover”.

Responding, Shettima thanked the monarchs, describing the honour as a responsibility to strengthen his relationship with Ebonyi and promote national unity.

“I have travelled from the far North-East to the South-East, yet I stand here among brothers and sisters… This is the Nigeria we must preserve,” he said.

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