Tinubu’s Security, Infrastructure Investments Transforming South-East Economy – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is driving significant economic and security transformation in the South-East through investments in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, housing and human capital development.

Shettima stated this on Monday during the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, where he urged residents to renew their support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the Vice President, federal interventions across Ebonyi State and the wider South-East are aimed at improving connectivity, strengthening food security, expanding economic opportunities and addressing longstanding developmental challenges.

He said the Tinubu administration had demonstrated its commitment to Ebonyi through major infrastructure projects, federal appointments and programmes designed to improve citizens’ welfare.

“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,” Shettima said.

The Vice President described democracy as a responsibility that must be fulfilled through effective service delivery, noting that the administration was returning to Nigerians to seek a renewed mandate based on its achievements.

“You have stood by us. You have assured us that a mandate is a debt of honour, repayable only through service. 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,” he said.

Infrastructure Investments

Highlighting federal infrastructure projects, Shettima identified the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway as a major investment expected to strengthen economic integration between the South-East, North-Central and other regions.

He also listed the Ndibe Bridge, Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Expressway and Okposi–Ohaozara–Ukawu–Cross River road among ongoing infrastructure interventions aimed at improving transportation and commercial activities.

The Vice President said the projects would facilitate the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities while reducing transportation costs and barriers to economic growth.

Agriculture, Youth Empowerment

Shettima described Ebonyi as a major contributor to Nigeria’s food security, particularly in rice and cassava production, adding that the Federal Government was supporting farmers through fertiliser distribution, interest-free FarmerMoni assistance and other agricultural programmes.

He stressed that rural road development remained critical to agricultural productivity, noting that improved access to markets would help farmers reduce losses and increase their earnings.

The Vice President further disclosed that thousands of Ebonyi residents had benefited from grants under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, while federal employment and digital skills initiatives were creating opportunities for young people.

Security and Regional Development

On security, Shettima said the Tinubu administration had intensified efforts to restore stability across the South-East, stressing that economic development could only thrive in a secure environment.

He identified the establishment and commencement of operations at the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot in Amasiri–Edda, Ebonyi State, as one of the Federal Government’s security interventions 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 assured.

Shettima also highlighted the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the launch of South-East Vision 2050 and the approval of the South East Investment Company as initiatives designed to accelerate regional development, attract investment and create sustainable economic opportunities.

Nwifuru Pledges 80% Votes for Tinubu

Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, reaffirmed the state’s support for President Tinubu, saying the state had benefited from federal economic reforms and special infrastructure interventions.

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

The governor, however, appealed to the Federal Government to provide a 330kV electricity transmission line to improve power supply and stimulate industrial development in the state.

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

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, also commended the Tinubu administration for what he described as unprecedented federal investments in road infrastructure across Ebonyi State.

Umahi urged residents to sustain their support for the administration and expressed confidence that the state would deliver 1.3 million votes to President Tinubu in the forthcoming election.

Shettima Receives Traditional Title

Earlier, the Vice President was conferred with the traditional title Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, meaning “A Hand Cannot Cover the Moon,” by Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, Eze Nnodo II of Amagu Autonomous Community in Abakaliki and Chairman of the Izzi/Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council.

The title symbolises truth, integrity and distinguished service, reflecting the belief that genuine greatness cannot be concealed.

Shettima described the honour as a responsibility to deepen his relationship with Ebonyi State and strengthen national unity.

He recalled historical ties of trade, friendship and shared community life between Northern Nigeria and the South-East, insisting that the country’s diversity remained a source of strength.

“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.