Political leaders and governors from the South-East are expected in Abakaliki on Monday for a rally endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term.
Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, announced the event during a media tour of federal infrastructure projects in Ebonyi State.
Umahi said the gathering would showcase the region’s appreciation for Tinubu’s infrastructure investments and inclusive approach to governance.
According to him, Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru will lead residents and stakeholders at the rally.
The minister urged citizens to focus on the administration’s achievements rather than criticisms from opposition groups.
Umahi stated that several road projects abandoned for decades are now being implemented under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted the Calabar-Ebonyi-Benue Trans-Saharan Superhighway as one of the administration’s flagship infrastructure projects.
According to him, the project originated during the colonial era but remained unrealised until its revival by the current administration.
Umahi disclosed that the first section of the highway was expanded from 118 kilometres to 123.6 kilometres.
He said the section carries a contract value of N45 billion, with dualisation works currently in progress.
The minister added that the second section, linking Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states, was awarded at a cost of N668 billion.
He noted that parts of the project have reached about 28 per cent completion despite ongoing rainy season challenges.
Umahi attributed the pace of work to the use of concrete pavement technology.
He said the highway would enhance trade and improve transportation of agricultural produce across participating states.
The minister added that the road would strengthen economic ties between Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon.
According to him, the South-East is experiencing greater inclusion in federal infrastructure development.
Governor Nwifuru also praised Tinubu for supporting development projects across the region and Ebonyi State.
The governor highlighted ongoing investments in rural roads, healthcare facilities and water supply schemes.
He stated that projects were being executed across all local government areas of the state.
Nwifuru further claimed that Ebonyi remains the safest state in Nigeria.
According to him, no kidnapping incident has been recorded in the state since he assumed office.
The media tour was organised by the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in collaboration with the Presidential Media Team.
The South-East engagement followed a similar tour previously conducted in the North-West region.
Presidential media aides Bayo Onanuga and Sunday Dare are leading the nationwide initiative.
