Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima has launched the North East Development Commission (NEDC) head office, agricultural inputs distribution, and a road network project, to boost economic growth and recovery in the region.
Speaking during the flagging off ceremony in Maiduguri on Wednesday, Shettima said that the establishment of the NEDC was a timely response to the region’s dire needs.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the vision and resilience of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
The VP who also launched the distribution of agricultural inputs and equipment to farmers in Borno, urged Nigerians to embrace the federal government’s vision for a brighter future, emphasizing the importance of collective ownership and participation in the development process.
He called on the people of the North East to take charge of the opportunities presented by the NEDC, leveraging the investments to address their unique developmental challenges and pave the way for a more prosperous future.
Speaking, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, lamented that the 13-year Boko Haram insurgency has set the region back by 50 years. He appealed to Shettima to wield his influence and ensure the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates in accordance with its statutory provisions.
Inuwa emphasized that the Vice President has the authority to drive the much-needed development in the region, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope program. He urged the Vice President to harness his power to bring tangible progress to the region, fostering a brighter future for its people.
Acting Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, commended the NEDC for its positive impact on the six states in the region. He said that Borno being the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, has benefited significantly from the commission’s energy programs.
Kadafur stated that Borno has long struggled with electricity shortages, but the NEDC has made a substantial difference in addressing this challenge. His remarks underscored the commission’s effectiveness in delivering meaningful solutions to the region’s developmental challenges, bringing hope and progress to areas most in need.
Board Chairman of the NEDC, Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa (rtd), said that developing the North East region will stimulate economic activities, generating opportunities for unemployed youths in the region. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for releasing funds earmarked for regional development.
Tarfa assured that the NEDC will align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope program, harnessing the funds to drive meaningful development in the region. He added the commission aims to create a brighter future for the region’s youths, fostering economic growth and prosperity. Tarfa reaffirms the federal government’s commitment to inclusive development and the NEDC’s dedication to delivering tangible results in the region.
Welcoming the guest, the Managing Director of NEDC, Goni Alkali said the commission has established offices within the six states of the region as in accordance with act and the construction of the offices is ongoing and achieve 95 per cent completion.
He called on the all stakeholders to key into the program of the commission in order development the North East region.
He stated that the farm equipment distributed includes tractor, highly processed seedlings, among other items. While the bowl roads network 2 will also help in reviving economic activities degraded by the over decade of Boko Haram insurgency.
Senator Friday Konbowei, representing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Kakashehu Lawal, emphasized that the executive’s initiatives in the region aim to empower the region and its people. He said that the focus areas include agriculture, economic growth, employment opportunities, innovation, and creativity, underscoring the commitment to holistic development.
“This reaffirms the government’s dedication to inclusive growth and sustainable development, aligning with the vision of the NEDC and the Renewed Hope program of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
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