Shettima, Yahaya Conduct Foundation Laying Ceremony of Borno NEDC Office
Segun Awofadeji in Gombe
The Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF)and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya yesterday joined the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima and other government officials for the foundation laying ceremony of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) head office in Maiduguri.
Speaking at the event, Yahaya said since its inception, the NEDC had been playing a pivotal role in supporting the six states of the sub-region especially in addressing critical infrastructure deficits, intervention in agriculture, education and several other initiatives.
The NSGF Chairman applauded President Bola Tinubu and Shettima for their support to the NEDC in discharging its statutory mandate.
“Let me say that the NEDC has been playing a critical role in promoting development across our region, addressing critical infrastructure deficits, providing significant intervention in agriculture, education, health care and other sectors in order to foster socio-economic growth.
“As we lay this foundation and perform the other functions later, I appeal to all stakeholders to maintain strong support for this commission to ensure that it fully delivers on its statutory mandate of transforming the Northe-east,” he said.
While performing the ceremonies, Shettima said the commission is a critical engine driving the development of the region, emphasising that in the face of adversity, the commission had demonstrated resilience, vision and an unyielding dedication to its statutory mandate.
“The NEDC is a product of the people and it shall serve the interest of the nation. This institution therefore, embodies our collective resolve to transform the narrative of this region from which marked by despair and devastation, to one defined by renewal and triumph.
“Today’s foundation laying ceremony is a step towards fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve and promise to prioritize initiatives that safeguard the interest of the North-east.
“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. This head office is not just a building. It is a portrait of our shared aspirations as a people with shared objectives,” the vice president noted.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Managing Director of the commission, Goni Alkali, explained that it was necessary for the commission to execute the project as a fulfilment of its constitutional mandate, saying the project will improve efficiency in the delivery of its statutory mandate.
He added that the commission will distribute agricultural inputs and equipment such as tractors, tillage, harvesters, and other materials needed by farmers for this year’s wet season.
He noted that the items which will be shared across the six states of the sub-region aimed to boost food production and food security in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Tinubu led federal government.
He further assured that the NEDC would remain committed to building a safe and prosperous region, saying more interventions will be made in critical sectors of growth and economic development to ensure socio-economic growth and prosperity of the region.
