On Thursday, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is dedicated to addressing the infrastructure challenges in the South-East region of Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch of the 5th edition of the Expanded National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Clinic in Enugu, Shettima also promised efforts to combat the erosion issues impacting the area.
During the event, he revealed that grants of N150,000 would be awarded to exceptional Micro Small and Medium Enterprises in Enugu.
He commended Governor Peter Mbah for his remarkable achievements in uplifting the state from poverty to economic progress, expressing appreciation for the positive changes Mbah’s administration has brought about in a short period.
“Before Governor Peter Mbah took office, Enugu was struggling, lacking even basic water supply,” he noted.
Shettima expressed gratitude, stating, “Your Excellency, we are thankful for your leadership. I am genuinely pleased to be here today and have had fruitful discussions with the honorable speaker.”
Highlighting the detrimental effects of erosion on the livelihoods of residents, he disclosed that the president plans to engage with the national assembly and Southeast governors to devise effective solutions to the region’s erosion crisis.
“The Southeast faces significant challenges due to infrastructural deficits and erosion that threaten our people’s livelihoods,” he remarked.
“We have coordinated with the speaker and will meet with national assembly leadership and Southeast governors to find comprehensive solutions, especially focusing on states like Anambra, Abia, and Enugu, which are grappling with erosion issues. These are problems that require practical approaches.”
Shettima emphasized that governance in the Southeast has seen significant improvement under the current administration. He urged for continued collaboration to foster development and improve the lives of the region’s residents.
Through investment in education and development initiatives, he believes it is possible to shift the narrative toward positivity.
“The President has instructed me to come to Enugu and assure its people that our government is committed to supporting the South-East,” he said.
Shettima expressed a personal connection to Enugu and noted that President Tinubu also holds the state and the Southeast in high regard, as evidenced by the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), with its headquarters located in Enugu.
He underscored the significance of energy for industrial growth, stating that without reliable power, industrialization cannot progress. As part of this commitment, he announced the appointment of Engr. Jennifer Adighije from Abia State as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria to enhance electricity supply in the Southeast.
Shettima praised Governor Mbah’s dedication and achievements, emphasizing the importance of moving beyond politics to focus on collaborative development efforts.
“I was particularly impressed by Mbah’s initiatives in security, water supply, and education—key areas for transformative growth. Our mutual passion for education and modernization aligns perfectly,” he stated.
He concluded by reiterating the federal government’s support for MSMEs, highlighting that the N150,000 grant is a non-repayable financial aid aimed at empowering outstanding businesses.
“This grant is a direct support initiative by President Tinubu to strengthen the MSMEs sector, which remains vital to our economy,” Shettima affirmed.
