Nigeria’s Vice President, Kassim Shettima, has praised the SouthEast region for its vital role in the country’s development and prosperity. He made the remarks at the launch of the Light up Nigeria Project, an initiative to provide reliable and affordable electricity to industries and businesses in the region.

Powering the economy

Shettima said that the SouthEast region, which is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and industrial prowess, is comparable to the Jews in terms of its economic and educational achievements. He said that Nigeria would fully work when the South East performs optimally in industrialization with adequate power supply.

He also disclosed that he rejected a proposal to cut off the region from electricity supply due to a debt profile, noting that President Bola Tinubu means well for the nation and the South East governors are the best among others.

The Vice President also commissioned the 181MW Geometric power plant in Aba, Abia State, which is expected to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the region. He said that the project, which is a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and its partners, is part of the federal government’s priorities to revamp the nation’s economy and ensure rapid industrialization.

A new dawn for education

Shettima also flagged off the Smart Schools project of Governor Peter Mbah in Enugu, which aims to provide quality education to the students in the state. He said that education is the greatest gift that can be given to a generation and commended Mbah for his disruptive approach to governance.

He also praised Governor Alex Otti of Abia State for his road projects and other infrastructural development in the state. Shettima said that the federal government is committed to supporting the states in the SouthEast region to achieve their developmental goals.

A message of hope

Shettima concluded his speech by expressing his optimism for the future of Nigeria and the South East region. He said that the Light up Nigeria Project is a signal of a new dawn for power and industrialization in the region, which will create jobs, attract investments, and boost the economy.

He also said that the Smart Schools project is a demonstration of the importance of education for the empowerment and enlightenment of the people. Shettima urged the people of the South East region to continue to work hard, innovate, and contribute to the national development.

Shettima said that the federal government is determined to ensure the unity, peace, and progress of the country and the region. Finally, he said that Nigeria is a great nation with a great destiny and the South East region is a key part of that destiny.

Source: Vanguard