RismadarVoice Reporters
November 9, 2026
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has highlighted Federal Government investments in infrastructure, education, security and economic development in the South-East, urging Ebonyi residents to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Shettima, representing Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally in Abakaliki on Monday, said the administration had initiated projects intended to improve transportation, create economic opportunities and strengthen regional development.
He identified the Calabar–Ebonyi–Nasarawa–Abuja Superhighway, the Trans-Saharan Highway, the bridge linking Ebonyi and Cross River states, and the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Expressway among major infrastructure interventions.
The Federal Government also announced approval of ₦248 billion for additional road projects in Ebonyi, including the Enugu–Abakaliki–Ogoja Road, Onueke–Ezza corridor and Okposi–Amasiri Road.
According to Shettima, improved transportation infrastructure would facilitate agricultural trade, strengthen connectivity and expand access to markets.
He said the administration had provided grants to thousands of Ebonyi residents under the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, while employment and digital skills programmes were intended to create opportunities for young people.
The Vice-President also announced that funding had been set aside for renewable energy projects in eight locations across the state.
On education, he cited interventions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and Tertiary Education Trust Fund.
Shettima further highlighted the establishment of the South-East Development Commission, the South-East Vision 2050 initiative and the proposed South-East Investment Company as measures aimed at strengthening regional development.
Addressing security concerns, he said the Nigerian Army Recruit Training Depot at Amasiri in Ebonyi had commenced operations.
He commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his administration’s development initiatives and cooperation with the Federal Government.
Nwifuru, in his remarks, reaffirmed his support for Tinubu and highlighted ongoing state infrastructure and education programmes.
Minister of Works David Umahi also outlined federal road projects, including the Afikpo–Uturu–Okigwe corridor and infrastructure linking Ebonyi with neighbouring states.
APC leaders at the rally urged supporters to participate in the January 16, 2027 presidential election.
Earlier, Shettima received the traditional title Aka Ekpuchi Ọnwa, meaning “A Hand Cannot Cover the Moon,” from Eze Fidelis Nwonumara of Amagu Autonomous Community.
The Vice-President described the honour as a reflection of longstanding cultural and social ties between Northern Nigeria and the South-East.
The administration’s claims about project implementation and economic benefits remain subject to assessment against actual completion, expenditure and measurable outcomes.
