Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday in Enugu, inaugurated a 25-year development blueprint for the South-East region.

Mr Shettima, while inaugurating the blueprint, described the region as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.

He also announced that President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the South-East Investment Company Limited.

According to him, the company is designed to mobilise resources from the diaspora, capital markets, and development finance institutions for the region’s development.

The VP said the gathering was a decisive break from short-term governance cycles toward a structured, multi-decade development framework.

“This forum reflects foresight, responsibility, and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design.

“In recognition of the distinctive character of the South-East, its entrepreneurial spirit, its global diaspora, and its long-standing relationship with international capital, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Ltd.,” Mr Shettima said.

According to him, the company will work in synergy with the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) to address infrastructure gaps and drive long-term regional competitiveness.

Mr Shettima reaffirmed that the SEDC was conceived to focus on structural transformation rather than routine administrative activity, insisting that Nigeria is strongest when its regions thrive.

“Let me be clear. This is not another layer of bureaucracy. It is a delivery institution, focused on tangible outcomes that translate into jobs, productivity, and growth,” he stated.

The vice-president noted that the South-East carries a unique historical burden which makes deliberate regional planning both urgent and necessary.

Mr Shettima praised the inclusive nature of the forum, which brought together federal and state governments, traditional institutions, the private sector, civil society, and development partners.

He also acknowledged the presence of Umu Igbo Unite, a United States–based network of over 10,000 young professionals.

According to him, the future of the South-East will be built both at home and abroad.

The VP insisted that development must produce concrete results.

“To the young people of the South-East, and Nigeria as a whole, let me speak plainly. You are not spectators in our national journey.

“You are central to it. Your energy, creativity, and ambition are essential to the Nigeria we are working to build. Development must not remain an abstract promise. It must be felt in the daily lives of our people.

Earlier, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State endorsed the vision 2050, describing the vision as an opportunity for the South-East region to tap into the national agenda tagged vision 2060.

He applauded the synergy among leaders and stakeholders in the region and proposed the birthing of a South East common market, describing the moment as the awakening of an economic giant.

Mr Mbah said the  focus on the unity and synergy of ideas and resources and the decision to change the thinking of leaders and the people about their development trajectory, must remain paramount.

He urged a paradigm shift in the planning and execution of projects across the region and called on the people of the area to complement the renewed drive by the Federal Government to improve the security.

He thanked the vice-president for his dedication and substance to the cause of the South East region.

He noted that his presence reinforced the principle that sustainable regional development does not thrive in isolation but on dedicated national leadership as exemplified by the presence of the vice-0resident.

Also, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi pledged the support of the state government for the implementation of a development plan for the region.

According to the governor, the plan will close unemployment and poverty gaps, while unlocking potentials across different sectors of the region’s economy.

He said Ebonyi State, under his administration, was building on the foundation of past administration in agriculture and agribusiness, education and solid mineral development. 

(NAN)