Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted infrastructure, agricultural, security and economic development initiatives of the President Bola Tinubu administration in the Southeast, urging residents of Ebonyi State to support the President’s re-election bid in 2027.
Shettima made the call on Monday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, where he said the Federal Government’s interventions were designed to address infrastructure deficits, improve security and unlock the region’s economic potential.
According to a statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima said the administration had demonstrated its commitment to the Southeast through strategic investments, institutional reforms and policies aimed at improving residents’ welfare.
The Vice President identified major road and bridge projects, including the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, the Ndibe Bridge linking Ebonyi and Cross River states, the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Expressway and the Okposi–Ohaozara–Ukawu–Cross River Road.
He said the projects were expected to improve connectivity, ease the movement of agricultural produce and manufactured goods, reduce transportation costs and strengthen commercial activities across the region.
On agriculture, Shettima described Ebonyi as an important contributor to national food security, particularly in rice and cassava production. He said farmers in the state were benefiting from federal interventions, including fertiliser distribution, FarmerMoni assistance and other agricultural support programmes.
He also disclosed that thousands of Ebonyi residents had benefited from the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, while federal employment and digital skills initiatives were creating additional opportunities for young people.
Addressing security concerns, the Vice President said the administration was working to restore stability in the Southeast, identifying the Nigerian Army Recruits Training Depot at Amasiri–Edda, Ebonyi State, as part of efforts to strengthen the region’s security infrastructure.
Shettima further highlighted the establishment of the South East Development Commission, the launch of the South-East Vision 2050 and the approval of the Southeast Investment Company as measures intended to promote regional development and attract investment.
He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for utilising increased federal allocations to execute development projects and improve public services.
In his remarks, Governor Nwifuru expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s interventions in Ebonyi, particularly in road infrastructure, but appealed for support towards the construction of a 330kV electricity transmission line to improve power supply and boost industrial development.
The governor also pledged that Ebonyi State would deliver 80 per cent of its votes to President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Also speaking, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, commended the President for federal road projects in the state and expressed confidence that Ebonyi would deliver 1.3 million votes to the APC presidential candidate.
Former APC National Chairman, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, also praised the administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure investments, urging residents to maintain their support for the ruling party.
Earlier, Shettima received the traditional chieftaincy title of Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, meaning “A Hand Cannot Cover the Moon,” from the traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community in Abakaliki, His Royal Highness Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, Eze Nnodo II, who is also Chairman of the Izzi/Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council.
The title, drawn from an Igbo proverb, was described as a symbol of truth, integrity and distinguished service.
In his response, Shettima said the honour carried a responsibility to strengthen relationships between Northern Nigeria and the Southeast, promote national unity and sustain the historical ties between the regions.
He called on Nigerians to see the country’s diversity as a source of strength, stressing the importance of friendship, cooperation and peaceful coexistence across ethnic and regional boundaries.
Written by Enitan Mudashiru
