By Nkechinyere Ewa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is driving economic transformation in the South-East through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, security, renewable energy and human capital development.
Shettima said the Federal Government’s interventions in Ebonyi State and other parts of the region were aimed at strengthening economic integration, improving connectivity, boosting food production and addressing development challenges that had constrained the region’s economic potential.
He spoke on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he highlighted the administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, federal appointments and economic empowerment programmes.
According to him, Ebonyi State has benefited from several federal projects and interventions in recognition of its support for the Tinubu administration.
“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 major infrastructure projects, the Vice-President 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 the projects, particularly the proposed superhighway, formed part of the administration’s broader transportation and economic integration agenda, adding that improved road connectivity would facilitate the 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.
He said the Federal Government was supporting farmers through fertiliser distribution, interest-free FarmerMoni assistance and other agricultural development initiatives, while investments in rural roads would improve access to markets and increase farmers’ earnings.
The Vice-President also disclosed that thousands of residents in Ebonyi 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 and stability in the South-East, stressing that sustainable economic development could only thrive in a secure environment.
He identified the establishment of the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot at Amasiri-Edda in Ebonyi State as one of the Federal Government’s interventions to strengthen security in the region.
“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 further identified 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 strategic initiatives to attract investments, accelerate regional development and create sustainable economic opportunities.
He said the initiatives reflected the Federal Government’s recognition of the need to address the region’s infrastructure and economic challenges through deliberate institutional interventions.
The Vice-President commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for deploying increased federal allocations to development projects and public infrastructure, describing his administration’s efforts as responsible stewardship.
He urged the people of Ebonyi to renew their support for President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, saying the administration had laid a foundation for sustained economic growth and national development.
In his remarks, Governor Nwifuru reaffirmed Ebonyi State’s support for President Tinubu, saying the state had benefited from the administration’s economic reforms and special interventions in road infrastructure.
“Under President Tinubu, the poor roads in our state and zone are now better. We now enjoy special road interventions,” he said.
The governor, however, appealed to the Federal Government to provide a 330kV electricity transmission line to improve power supply in the state, stressing that reliable electricity was critical to industrial development and economic growth.
He assured the President that Ebonyi would deliver 80 per cent of its votes to him in the 2027 presidential election.
Also speaking, Minister of Works, David Umahi, commended Tinubu for what he described as unprecedented federal investments in road infrastructure across Ebonyi State, involving hundreds of kilometres of highways and billions of naira in funding.
Umahi described the massive turnout at the rally as evidence of the state’s support for the APC and urged residents to sustain their backing for the Tinubu-Shettima administration.
He expressed confidence that Ebonyi would deliver 1.3 million votes to the President in the forthcoming election.
Former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, also commended the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure investments, urging the people to support the party in 2027.
Earlier, Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Izzi/Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council, His Royal Highness Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, Eze Nnodo II of Amagu Autonomous Community, Abakaliki, where he was conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title, Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, meaning “A Hand Cannot Cover the Moon.”
The title, drawn from an Igbo proverb, symbolises the enduring power of truth, integrity and greatness, signifying that genuine merit and distinguished service cannot be concealed.
The conferment was also described as a celebration of the Vice-President’s public service and the longstanding relationship between the people of Northern Nigeria and the South-East.
Responding, Shettima expressed appreciation to the monarch and traditional rulers, describing the honour as a responsibility to strengthen his relationship with Ebonyi State and promote national unity.
He recalled the historical bonds of trade, friendship and peaceful coexistence between the North and the South-East, noting that Nigeria’s diversity remained one of its greatest strengths.
“I have travelled from the far North-East to the South-East, yet I stand here among brothers and sisters. Our ancestors understood that friendship could cross rivers, mountains and kingdoms. They knew that a stranger who is received with love soon becomes a member of the household. This is the Nigeria we must preserve,” he said.