Vice-President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the federal government’s unwavering commitment to driving economic revival and development in the North-East region of the country.

Mr Shettima stated this while laying the foundation for the new headquarters building of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri.

A statement on the ceremony was made available to journalists on Wednesday by  Stanley Nkwocha, the spokesperson of the vice-president.

In the statement, the vice president stressed that the only way to reclaim and shape the narrative of the North-East region was to bring everyone together.

According to him, the event was a demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s promise, an assurance of his commitment, and a reminder of the importance of the region to the nation.

Mr Shettima noted that it was a deep honour for him to be present to witness the commencement of a legacy of service that would outlast all those in attendance.

” NEDC is a product of the people, and it shall serve the interests of the nation. It is this foundational principle that guides the NEDC.

” This institution, therefore, embodies our collective resolve to transform the narrative of this region—from one marred by despair and devastation to one defined by renewal and triumph.

“Today is a demonstration of our promise, an assurance of our commitment, and a reminder of what this sub-region means to the nation,” he said.

He explained that the foundation-laying ceremony was a step towards fulfilling Mr Tinubu’s promise to prioritise initiatives that safeguard the interests of the North-East region.

“This promise is not merely a political commitment but a moral obligation to the people who have endured so much and deserve nothing less than a future defined by peace, stability, and prosperity.”

Mr Shettima stressed that the new head office surpasses mere infrastructure, embodying the strength of the nation’s collective will to rebuild, restore, and overcome the challenges that have hindered the region’s progress.

“This head office shall symbolise the strength of our shared aspirations as a people with shared objectives. As we lay this foundation, we do so with a vision of a North-East that is vibrant, resilient, and forward-looking.

“We do so imagining our contributions to building a nation where every child has access to quality education; healthcare is accessible to all; infrastructure supports thriving economies, and peace and security are the bedrock of daily life.”

He also inspected progress on the first phase of construction on the 27km Jere Bowl Road network in Mafa/Jere Local Government Area, just as he also performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the second phase of the project.

The projects, Mr Shettima noted, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to the development and prosperity of Borno state.

“This project symbolises our dedication to improving the lives of our people, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth.

” It is a testament to our unwavering resolve to build a Nigeria where every citizen, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to thrive.

” A robust road network accelerates the process of urbanization,” he said.

Mr Shettima added: “As rural areas become more accessible, we will witness the development of new urban centres, leading to better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.

“Each road we construct supports security, commerce, and agriculture. They enhance the standard of living for our people.

” Without a reliable network of roads, we cannot fulfil our promises to the people, nor can we sustain our democracy. The full participation of remote communities in our nation’s development depends on a dependable road network”.

He further stated that the economic agenda of Mr Tinubu was rooted in supporting each state of the federation in achieving its objectives and fulfilling our promises to the nation.

“Borno State holds a pivotal role in our nation’s economy and will always remain a top priority in our efforts to stabilise and promote unity and peace across the nation,” he added

Earlier, Gov. Muhammad Yahaya of Gombe, who is also the chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum, praised Mr Shettima for mobilising support for the smooth operations of the NEDC.

“We are very proud of what you are doing as our leader in the North East by ensuring the smooth take-off of this project as well as enhancing the operations of the NEDC,” Mr Yahaya stated.

He called on governors and other stakeholders from the North-East states to work towards achieving the goals of the NEDC.

He, however, lamented the devastating effect of the Boko Haram insurgency, which he said took the North-East zone 50 years backwards.

“We, therefore, need to work hard to recover the lost grounds, and with Vice President Shettima’s motivation and support, we can achieve that,” he added.

The deputy fovernor of Borno, Usman Kadafur, applauded the good work so far done by the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in the six states of the region.

“The effort of the NEDC is adjudged a quite successful story, and it is the pride of the various state governments across the North-East region,” he said

The chairman, governing board of NEDC, retired Maj.-Gen. Paul Tarfa, said the laying of the foundation for the construction of a befitting headquarters has opened a new chapter in the history of the commission and symbolises growth.

The managing director and chief executive officer of the commission, Mohammed Alkali said the event was a milestone in the history of NEDC and the entire North East region.

He noted that the master plan for the North-East is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr Tinubu.

He further sought cooperation and synergy among stakeholders in order to realise its objectives.

(NAN)