Shettima Highlights Tinubu’s Infrastructure, Security Investments in South-East
Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the Federal Government’s investments in infrastructure, agriculture, security, housing and human capital development in the South-East, saying the interventions are aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing longstanding development challenges in the region.
Shettima stated this on Monday, November 9, 2026, while speaking at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
He said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had demonstrated its commitment to Ebonyi State through major infrastructure projects, federal appointments and programmes designed to improve the living conditions of residents.
According to the Vice President, the Federal Government’s interventions are intended to strengthen regional connectivity, improve food security, create employment opportunities and promote economic development across the South-East.
He noted that the administration had responded to the support received from the people of Ebonyi with development projects and appointments, adding that the government remained committed to delivering the dividends of democracy.
Highlighting ongoing infrastructure projects, Shettima listed the Calabar–Ebonyi–Benue–Kogi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, which forms part of the administration’s Trans-Saharan highway vision, as one of the major projects expected to improve trade and connectivity between the South-East, North-Central and other parts of the country.
Other projects include the Ndibe Bridge, which is expected to link Ebonyi and Cross River states, the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Expressway and the Okposi–Ohaozara–Ukawu–Cross River road.
He explained that the projects would ease the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and other commodities, while reducing transportation challenges for businesses and communities.
On agriculture, the Vice President described Ebonyi as an important 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 programmes. He added that investments in rural roads would improve farmers’ access to markets, reduce post-harvest losses and increase their earnings.
Shettima 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, noting that a secure environment was necessary for businesses to thrive and development projects to succeed.
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 Vice President also highlighted 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 initiatives designed to attract investments, strengthen regional development and create sustainable economic opportunities.
He commended Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for using increased federal revenue allocations to support infrastructure development and essential public services.
Shettima urged the people of the state to support President Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections, saying the administration had laid a foundation for further economic progress.
The Vice President further commended Governor Nwifuru for what he described as responsible management of the state’s resources and commitment to 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.
He, however, appealed to the Federal Government to provide a 330kV electricity transmission line to improve power supply and support industrial development in the state. He also pledged that Ebonyi would deliver 80 per cent of its votes to President Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.
Similarly, the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, commended President Tinubu for federal investments in road infrastructure across Ebonyi State, involving hundreds of kilometres of highways and billions of naira in funding.
Umahi described the large turnout at the rally as a demonstration 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 administration’s economic reforms and infrastructure investments, calling on the people to support the President in 2027.
Earlier, Shettima paid a courtesy visit to the traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community in Abakaliki, Eze Fidelis Nwonumara, Eze Nnodo II, who is also Chairman of the Izzi/Nnodo Traditional Rulers Council.
During the visit, the Vice President was conferred with the traditional chieftaincy title Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, meaning “A Hand Cannot Cover the Moon.”
The title, derived from an Igbo proverb, symbolises truth, integrity and greatness, reflecting the belief that genuine merit and distinguished service cannot be hidden or diminished.
The traditional ruler said the honour recognised Shettima’s contributions to public service and celebrated the longstanding relationship between the people of Northern Nigeria and the South-East.
In his response, the Vice President expressed appreciation to the monarch and traditional rulers, describing the title as a responsibility to strengthen his relationship with Ebonyi State and promote national unity.
He recalled the historical ties of trade, friendship and shared community life between the North and South-East, stressing the importance of preserving Nigeria’s unity and diversity.
Shettima said Nigerians should continue to build relationships across ethnic and geographical boundaries, noting that friendship and mutual respect remain important to national cohesion.
Shettima Highlights Tinubu’s Infrastructure, Security Investments in South-East