Shettima hails Tinubu's reforms, Infrastructure

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has called on Nigerians to assess governance by its measurable impact, emphasising that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needs a second term to fully deliver on his administration's transformative economic and infrastructure agenda.

Accordingly, he urged them to evaluate the Tinubu administration based on its tangible impact on citizens' lives and the ongoing infrastructure and economic reforms that require more time to complete.

Senator Shettima, who stated this on Thursday while representing President Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Rally in Benin City, Edo State, noted that while some projects had been completed, others were still ongoing.

"We ask that our stewardship be judged by the lives our decisions have touched and the work we are determined to complete. We have come this far with your trust, and we seek your mandate to finish the work we have begun," he said.

Stating that other commitments were still pending before the Tinubu administration, the Vice President said Governor Monday Okpebholo had made the APC proud, and President Tinubu had stood with him, supporting his efforts to serve the interests of the Edo people.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to bridging Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps, spotlighting the vital economic role of Edo State and pledging to free local traders from the recurring financial losses caused by deplorable road conditions.

Maintaining that national development cannot happen in isolation from regional realities, VP Shettima said, "When we came to you four years ago, we assured you that we could not bridge our nation's infrastructure deficit without carrying Edo State along.

"We have not abandoned that pledge. We are determined to build roads on which a trader at Agbede will no longer lose money to delays. This is why we have begun work to dualise the road through Ekpoma, Auchi and Okpella.

"This is why emergency repairs are also under way on the roads from Benin to Asaba and Sapele. You have every right to hold us to our word until you can travel these roads in comfort."

The Vice President drew attention to a major breakthrough for Edo State’s industrial sector, confirming that natural gas is now flowing through the completed Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) gas pipeline.

He declared that long-standing calls for the revival of local manufacturing and industrial hubs had been answered with a permanent energy solution.

"Good people of Edo State, we have heard your calls for the revival of industries in your state. We also know that industry cannot thrive without reliable energy. Today, we are proud to say that gas now flows through the completed Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben pipeline," he stated.

On healthcare, VP Shettima pointed out that the Federal Government's interventions were reflected in its "support for institutions such as the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, which now offers radiotherapy for cancer patients and subsidised dialysis for eligible patients.

"We have also prioritised improvements at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital and the National Obstetric Fistula Centre. This is in addition to our support for 158 public healthcare facilities across Edo through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund," he added.

The Vice President reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to educational equity, declaring that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was actively breaking financial barriers so that students in Edo State and across the nation could pursue their academic ambitions without interruption.

On agriculture, he said, "We have allocated subsidised fertiliser to your farmers. We are training farmers and entrepreneurs and enrolling your sons and daughters in vocational programmes through the National Directorate of Employment."

Noting that the development strides were among the reasons the President was returning to the electorate with confidence, the VP underscored the Federal Government’s resolute dedication to reclaiming Nigeria’s looted heritage.

He declared that the administration stood firmly with the people and traditional institutions in demanding the unconditional return of the historic Benin Bronzes and cultural artefacts to their rightful home.

Earlier, Governor Okpebholo said the scale of Federal Government intervention in the state was already making a significant difference.

He promised that the people of Edo State would deliver 2 million votes to re-elect President Bola Tinubu in the forthcoming 2027 presidential election.

“The intervention of the Federal Government in Edo State is enough to support my re-election,” the Governor said, adding that following the reforms introduced by President Tinubu, state governments could now “embark on projects that have direct impact on the people.”

Former Edo State Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, told the gathering that the performance of the APC at both the state and federal levels had given him confidence.

“If not for the impressive performance of the APC-led administration in both the state and at the federal level, I would not have been proud to lead this campaign into Edo State,” he declared.

Also, Imo State Governor and Secretary of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Hope Uzodinma, described the large turnout as a clear expression of support.

“The crowd and the warm reception we have received is a testament to the love and support the people of Edo State have for President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

He urged citizens to collect their Permanent Voter Cards so that “the massive vote they promised the President can become a reality.”

For his part, Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori affirmed the region’s collective position. “The South-South region is unanimous in renewing the mandate of President Bola Tinubu,” he said.

The Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, told the people that President Tinubu's commitment to the state was evident in the projects on the ground.

“President Bola Tinubu holds Edo State dear to his heart, and that is why these developmental projects are coming to the state,” he said.

Yari urged citizens to “come out en masse to vote for President Bola Tinubu,” reminding them that the party’s manifesto places “tackling insecurity and the protection of lives and property as the first item.”

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said the size of the crowd spoke for itself. “The massive turnout that received the APC campaign train is a testament that the people have already made up their minds to vote for the APC in all elective offices,” he declared.

As a son of the South-South, he pledged personal commitment, saying he would “ensure that President Bola Tinubu has no serious competitor” in the region.

APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, closed by affirming the party’s confidence in its candidate. “Our party has the most competent candidate and therefore deserves to be re-elected in the next election,” he told the people of Edo State.

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima was earlier at the palace of the Oba of Benin, where he told the monarch that the Federal Government delegation had come to the kingdom to express deep appreciation for the royal father's leadership.

“We are here to thank Your Royal Majesty for your remarkable work in sustaining peaceful coexistence and preserving the rich cultural heritage of your forefathers,” the Vice President said.

In his response, the Oba of Benin, Omo N’Oba N’Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, acknowledged the Federal Government’s presence and support for the people of the state.

“The Benin Kingdom takes note of and appreciates the intervention of the federal government in our state,” the Oba said.

He particularly commended the massive infrastructure projects being executed under the Tinubu-led administration, describing them as projects that have “touched the lives of the people.”