The Minister For Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idiris, has said President Bola Tinubu, has brought significant development to the South East region.
The minister stated this on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign on President Tinubu’s administration in Abia State.
Idiris who was ably represented by the Head of Center (FIC) Abia State, Mrs Gloria Abiakam noted that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu has brought attention to critical sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several critical sectors are receiving the attention long overdue,” she said.
The establishment of the cassava and bio-ethanol project in Enugu was cited as a bold step towards food security and job creation. Idiris also appreciated the first lady’s efforts in empowering beneficiaries of the Youth Agricultural support programme.
Other initiatives highlighted include the students loan scheme, grants for SMEs, and aids to poor households. In healthcare, the commissioning of cancer centers in the South East was seen as a breakthrough. The Federal Government has delivered a cancer center at UNTH, Enugu, with MRI equipment installed.
On infrastructure, the construction of the second Niger Bridge and the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, as well as the ongoing Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway upgrades, were noted as regional assets that would boost trade, commerce, and industry.
Abiakam urged Abians to take full advantage of these initiatives and support efforts that bring development closer to their communities.
“Let us take advantage of them, let’s engage with them, and together we can build a Nigeria where everyone has the chance to succeed,” she said.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised about the level of insecurity in the nation. The chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mr. Ojo Uduma expressed concern.
“The level of insecurity in our nation is alarming. There is no day you will not hear one news of insecurity or the other,” he said.
He called on the President to take decisive action to reduce the level of insecurity in the nation to the barest minimum.
“Let Mr. President do whatever he can, at least, if not total eradication, to reduce the level of insecurity in our nation,” he urged.
The Chairman prayed for the President’s continued wisdom and guidance, saying, “It is my earnest prayer that God will continue to keep him, continue to protect him, and grant him the wisdom, the knowledge to continue to pilot the affairs of this nation, Nigeria.”
Shelik Ali Ukilo, chairman of the Muslim welfare pilgrim Board also expressed concerns about the railway system that has been removed from roads.
“We have enjoyed these things in the past. Every day, three trains will leave Umuahia to Kano. But now we don’t. Even the rail line has been removed.”
He appealed to the President to look into the matter and bring back the railway system.
“I appeal strongly to let him look on insecurity and to bring back our railway system,” he said.
The Federal Government’s initiatives in the South East region have brought hope and promise to the people.
While concerns about insecurity and the railway system persist, the government has been urged to take decisive action to address these issues.
THE WHISTLER reports that With sustained attention and support, the South East region can prosper, and Nigeria can move forward.
