President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to infrastructure development, inclusive security reforms, and economic transformation as key pillars for unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s South East region.
The announcement was made in a press release from the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. At the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, the President was represented by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh, SAN, during a public lecture marking the 70th birthday of Lt. Gen. Onyeabo Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd.). The event was themed “Leading Nigeria Forward: Strategies for Security and National Cohesion.”
President Tinubu described General Ihejirika as “a patriot, pan-Nigerian statesman, and courageous military officer who served Nigeria with distinction during one of the most turbulent periods in the nation’s fight against insurgency.” He conveyed the goodwill of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria, praying for continued strength and good health for the celebrant, so the nation can continue to benefit from his wealth of experience.
Highlighting the importance of national inclusion in security leadership, the President noted that key appointments in the Armed Forces, including Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla as Chief of the Naval Staff and Air Marshal Sunday Aneke as Chief of the Air Staff, reflect deliberate efforts to ensure balanced representation across the country.“Fostering a sense of belonging across all regions is fundamental to bolstering national cohesion, loyalty, and solidarity in confronting insecurity,” he said.
Also Read: Soludo Calls for Sustainable South-East Economic Reconstruction
President Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralising Nigeria’s policing framework through the establishment of state police. He confirmed that approval has been granted for the process and urged the National Assembly to review relevant laws to enable states that consider it necessary to establish subnational policing structures.
“A large, diverse, and populous nation like Nigeria requires an additional layer of policing to effectively safeguard lives and property,” he emphasised.
The President underscored the role of massive infrastructure investments and youth employment initiatives as part of a non-kinetic strategy to combat insecurity. He said creating job opportunities for young people would redirect energies toward productive economic activities, contributing significantly to GDP growth.
President Tinubu reiterated that the South East is critical to his administration’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
“We commend the region’s entrepreneurial spirit and nationwide economic presence, and the Federal Government remains committed to providing a level playing field for all Nigerians to achieve their full potential,” he said.
He highlighted several ongoing and approved projects aimed at accelerating regional development, including:
-
Concession of Akanu Ibiam International Airport
-
Construction of the Usulu Airport in Isiala Ngwa Local Government Area
-
Establishment of the South East Development Commission
-
Completion and operationalisation of the Port Harcourt–Aba railway
-
Approval of $3 billion for the 2,044km Eastern Rail Line
-
$508 million for the upgrade and modernisation of Eastern Ports infrastructure
-
“These initiatives form part of a broader national strategy to strengthen connectivity, stimulate commerce, and integrate regional economies into the national growth framework,” the President said.
He also emphasised the indivisibility of Nigeria and the shared destiny of its people, noting that national unity is essential to defeating insecurity and building lasting prosperity.
