– describes NEDC as critical engine, driving the development of the Northeast
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Vice President Kashim Shettima has described the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), as the critical engine driving the development of the Northeast in the face of adversity.
Shettima who performed the ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the N26.8 billion headquarters of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC) and the launching of Agricultural imputs and ground breaking of N20.4 billion second phase of 22.38 kilometers here bowl road said ” the NEDC is a critical engine driving the development of the North-East. In the face of adversity, it has demonstrated resilience, vision, and an unyielding dedication to its mission. This laying of new infrastructure for its head office doesn’t only bring it closer to the people but invites them to be first-row stakeholders in the implementation of programs aimed at economic revitalization.”.
Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, distribution of Agricultural equipment at the NEDC permanent headquarters, Maidugurii, the Vice President Shettima said ” we are not gathered here today to merely witness the architectural ambition of an organization that has become a conduit of hope for the North-East. Today is a demonstration of our promise, an assurance of our commitment, and a reminder of what this sub-region means to the nation. So, I am deeply honored to witness the making of a history of service that will outlive each of us.”
“The North East Development Commission (NEDC) is a product of the people, and it shall serve the interests of the nation. Every organization that aspires to influence the welfare and future of society must draw its core from the people it sets out to serve. It is this foundational principle that guides the North East Development Commission (NEDC), he said.
The Vice President said “this institution, therefore, embodies our collective resolve to transform the narrative of this region—from one marred by despair and devastation to one defined by renewal and triumph.”.
” NEDC is a critical engine driving the development of the North-East. In the face of adversity, it has demonstrated resilience, vision, and an unyielding dedication to its mission. This laying of new infrastructure for its head office doesn’t only bring it closer to the people but invites them to be first-row stakeholders in the implementation of programs aimed at economic revitalization.”, he added.
“Today’s foundation-laying ceremony is a step towards fulfilling His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s promise to prioritize initiatives that safeguard the interests 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.”, he added.
He said the head office construction begun was not just a building, but a fortress of shared aspirations as a people with shared objectives, stressing that this head office shall symbolize the strength of collective will to rebuild, restore, and rise above the challenges that have long hindered the progress of the North-East..
Also speaking on behalf of the Northeast Governor’s, the chairman Northern Governors Forum, and the Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya urged the Vice President and the NEDC to complete all ongoing projects of the commissioner, as it has direct impact on the lives of the people of the region.
In his remarks, the Acting Governmor of Borno state, Hon Umar Kadafur commended the NEDC for it’s intervention in the state and the region at large and assured of the continued partnership of the state government in addressing the humanitarian needs and post insurgency rebirth of the state.
In his welcome address, the Managing Director, NEDC, Alhaji Goni Alkali said ” section 9 (1) of the NEDC Act provides that “The Commission shall have its head office in Maiduguri, Borno State and shall establish an office in each member state of the North-East Zone’. Therefore, the foundation laying ceremony we are about to witness is in fulfilment of the law establishing the Commission. Also, regarding State Offices, we have already achieved over 90% progress in the construction of such offices in most Member States.”
The MD said ” the upcoming Edifice is an iconic 8-floor structure with Basement and Mezzanine Floors. Apart from its adequate and conducive office spaces, the complex will have other state-of-the-art ancillary facilities such as an expansive Parking Space, Conference Rooms, Prayer Halls, Restaurants and Catering Facilities, Sick Bay, Gymnasium/Creche, Exhibition Halls and Humanitarian Center, among others.”
“The Commission is currently implementing the North-East Stabilization and Development Master Plan (NESDMP), a holistic roadmap consisting of 11 Pillars that cut across various sectors. The Pillars are fashioned to propel the Socio- economic development and long-term prosperity in the North-East Region.”,
He also expected that the Master Plan, is in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Present Administration requires synergy, cooperation and collaboration by all Stakeholders to make meaningful impact., adding in sync with the Master Plan, Vice President Shettima performed the ground-breaking ceremony for the Phase 2 of the Jere Bowl Road Network which spans 22.38Km..
He also said” It is gratifying to note that the ground-breaking ceremony for the first phase covering 22.5km was done by His Excellency, the Vice President in 2023 and is now over 95% completed. This road network of 44.88Km that passes through the famous rice producing Communities of Galamari, Dusuman, Ngowom, Koshebe, Gongulong and Zabarmari
He said Khaddamari road will improve free movement of people and goods, thereby stimulating economic activities through food production, processing agribusiness, as well as enhance security in the area..
“Another milestone event today is the official launch by His Excellency, the Vice President of the Commission’s Agricultural Interventions in the North-East Region towards boosting food production, processing and food security in general. The Commission has acquired and is set to distribute assorted and diverse units of agricultural machines, implements, inputs and other processing equipment to eligible farmers across all the 18 Senatorial Districts in the region.”, the MD said .
The agricultural imputs, according to him, include Tractors, Tillage Implements, Trailers, Planters, Harvesters, Rice and Oil Mills, among others. There would be an interfacing Committee between the States and the Commission for effective distribution and monitoring.”.
There are many other infrastructural projects being executed simultaneously in other Member States including inter-and intra-State Roads, Mass Housing and Mega School projects.
Alkali said ” we will continue to roll out relevant and demand-driven Human Capital Development Initiatives, Youth and Women Empowerment Programmes, Stabilization and Sustainable Development Infrastructural Projects for the Short, Medium and Long-term Socio-Economic benefit of the people of the North-East Region. We call on all Stakeholders, including Federal MDAs, Development Partners and the Private Sector, to key into the Regional Master Plan and join us in re-building a Safe, Peaceful, Enterprising and Prosperous Region.”
