FG Counters Marginalization Claims, Highlights Major South-East Infrastructure Projects Under Tinubu

By Ezechukwu Adimoha

The Federal Government has insisted that the South-East region is receiving unprecedented attention through major infrastructural projects, contrary to claims that it is being marginalised under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, stated this during a breakfast meeting with journalists at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia. He argued that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated inclusiveness through strategic investments and sustained engagement with states in the South-East.

Alhaji Idris, while citing ongoing federal road projects across the South-East as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to inclusive governance, said many governors in the region have acknowledged and appreciated the administration’s efforts.

He described the appointment of the former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, by President Tinubu to oversee the administration’s extensive road infrastructure programme as another demonstration of the President’s commitment to the South-East. He noted that the appointment is aimed at improving connectivity and accelerating economic development in the region.

The Minister also highlighted federal investments in healthcare, including the establishment of one of Nigeria’s most advanced cancer treatment centres in Enugu. He added that the Tinubu administration is implementing the construction and upgrade of about 1,000 primary healthcare centres across the country.

Beyond infrastructure, Alhaji Idris said President Tinubu has maintained regular engagement with governors in the region while ensuring that states receive increased financial resources to execute critical development projects.

He described the recently concluded South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia as part of the Federal Government’s strategy to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and state governments. He assured that the recommendations from the summit would be presented to President Tinubu for further action aimed at addressing insecurity across the region.

The Information Minister described the people of the South-East as industrious, hardworking and resilient, stressing that guaranteeing their safety remains essential to Nigeria’s economic stability.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Abia State Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, described the breakfast meeting as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Information and the Abia State Government. He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparency, responsible information dissemination, national unity and policies that promote inclusive development.

Prince Kanu expressed confidence that the engagement would deepen cooperation, encourage meaningful dialogue and enhance communication between government and citizens. He also commended the Minister for revitalising engagement with Commissioners for Information across the country through regular consultations.

The National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), Prince Emeka Kalu, members of the Presidential National Communications Team, media executives and heads of federal agencies were present at the meeting.