Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima has flagged off the North East Development Commission (NEDC) head office, agricultural inputs distribution, and a road network project, in order to boost economic growth and recovery in the region.
While speaking during the launch in Maiduguri, on Wednesday, Shettima disclosed that the establishment of the NEDC was a timely response to the region’s dire needs.
He said the initiative aligns with the vision and resilience of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that it demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to addressing the region’s developmental challenges.
The VP 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 then 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.
In his own remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, decried the 13-year Boko Haram insurgency which has set the region back by 50 years.
Governor Yahaya appealed to Shettima to wield his influence and ensure the North East Development Commission (NEDC) operates in accordance with its statutory provisions.
According to him, 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 implored the Vice President to harness his power to bring tangible progress to the region, fostering a brighter future for its people.
Also speaking, acting Governor of Borno State, Umar Kadafur, lauded 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.
Borno, Kadafur stressed, has long struggled with electricity shortages, but the NEDC has made a substantial difference in addressing this challenge.
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 his appreciation for 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 reaffirmed 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 then called on all stakeholders to key into the program of the commission in order to develop the North East region.
He stated that the farm equipment distributed includes tractor, highly processed seedlings, among other items.
Senator Friday Konbowei, representing the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Special Duties, Kakashehu Lawal, explained 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,” he submitted.