Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to driving economic revival and development of the Northeast

He, however, said that the cooperation of everyone would be required to reclaim and shape the narrative of the region.

Speaking while laying the foundation for the new headquarters of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) in Maiduguri, Borno State, the vice president described the event as a demonstration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise and commitment to the region’s development.

According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the  Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Information, Shettima noted that the new headquarters symbolises the strength of the nation’s collective will to rebuild and overcome challenges.

Shettima also inspected the on-going construction of the Jere Bowl Road Network and performed the groundbreaking for the second phase of the project.

He emphasized the importance of road networks in accelerating urbanisation, enhancing security, and fostering economic growth.

The vice president said: “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.”

Shettima explained that the foundation-laying was a step towards fulfilling President Tinubu’s promise to prioritise initiatives that safeguard the interests of the Northeast.

“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,” he said.

The vice president 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.

He added: “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 Northeast 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, where healthcare is accessible to all, where infrastructure supports thriving economies, and where peace and security are the bedrock of daily life.”

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

“This project”, Shettima said, “symbolizes 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.”

On the significance of the project, he explained: “A robust road network accelerates the process of urbanisation. As rural areas become more accessible, we will witness the development of new urban centers, 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.”

Underscoring the socio-economic importance of Borno to the Northeast region, Shettima stated: “The economic agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is 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.”

Gombe State Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, who doubles as the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, praised 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,” Yahaya stated.

He urged governors and other stakeholders from the Northeast to work towards achieving the goals of the NEDC.

The governor however lamented the devastating effect of the Boko Haram insurgency, which he said took the zone backwards by 50 years.

“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.

Acting Borno Governor Usman Kadafur also applauded the good work so far done by the NEDC in the six states of the region.

He said: “The effort of the NEDC is adjudged a quite successful story and it is the pride of the various state governments across the region.”

NEDC Chairman Maj.- Gen. Paul Tarfa  said the the foundation-laying for the construction of a befitting headquarters has opened a new chapter in the history of the Commission, symbolizing growth.