Dr. George Agbakahi, the Southeast representative of the Tinubu Support Organisation, claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is gaining positive traction in the region, propelled by innovative industrialization projects, infrastructure improvements, and government support benefiting numerous enterprises and young people.
In a recent interview with ARISE NEWS, Agbakahi outlined how the All Progressives Congress (APC) and various Tinubu support groups are uniting their efforts to strengthen political backing in the Southeast in anticipation of the upcoming 2027 elections. He stated, "Various groups within the Tinubu support framework, including City Boys and Renewed Hope, are united in their goal of promoting the re-election of President Tinubu. Our focus is on our collective mission rather than individual group identities."
He pointed out that the Southeast is learning from past electoral errors and is increasingly rallying behind Tinubu's presidency. "Political dynamics in the Southeast are becoming increasingly evident. President Bola Tinubu enjoys substantial support among the majority of Nigerians. We recognize the missteps made during the last 2023 elections and believe the APC is the way forward. Most people in the Southeast now support the APC."
Agbakahi referred to the fervor at the recent APC zoning congresses in Enugu, saying, "The atmosphere was electric with excitement and joy. Numerous stakeholders, including many non-APC members, converged at the event, reflecting substantial interest. The president's contributions to Nigeria, especially in the Southeast, are considerable, whether in road construction or industrial achievements. For instance, Governor Soludo has publicly supported President Tinubu, acknowledging the alignment of his policies with those of the administration, along with Governor Oti of Abia State."
He elaborated on the economic advancements driven by infrastructure initiatives like the Southeast Investment Council, which has launched with a budget of 150 billion Naira, directly benefiting traders and manufacturers in the region. Discussing Aba's role as an industrial center, Agbakahi mentioned that locally, over 60,000 shoe and garment manufacturers attribute their success to the government's industrial strategies, highlighting the administration’s commitment to sustainable jobs beyond just blue-collar work.
Agbakahi emphasized, "The administration's investments in agencies like Smedan, with a 200 billion Naira allocation, are resulting in numerous job opportunities. Additionally, the youth investment fund of 150 billion Naira is aiding many young people across the Southeast."
He reaffirmed the importance of government funding and youth investment as essential factors for sustainable job creation. “The establishment of the Southeast Development Commission helps bridge infrastructure gaps, while significant funds from the Bank of Industry and MSME are being distributed to thousands of existing businesses, fostering notable economic growth. It is crucial that we witness the job creation and business support outcomes rather than merely the financial allocations made public."
Touching on the claims regarding 7,000 enterprises, Agbakahi clarified, "What was reported is the distribution of over 636 billion Naira across 7,000 existing enterprises rather than the emergence of 7,000 new businesses, reflecting a misunderstanding of the data presented."
He concluded by underlining that under Tinubu's administration, focus extends beyond immediate employment to long-term growth and development, with continued investment benefitting numerous young individuals in the region.
Agbakahi expressed optimism about collaborative efforts among various support groups in the Southeast. "Forget the labels; our collective goal is to support President Tinubu and the APC's electoral success, ensuring no group feels isolated or undervalued. We communicate and collaborate consistently."
Comments (0)
You must be logged in to comment.
Be the first to comment on this article!