According to a report by Punch on Friday, August 15, 2025, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the South-East remains an integral part of Nigeria’s development plans under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This assurance came as senior government officials began a tour of the region aimed at strengthening ties and reinforcing trust between the federal administration and local communities.
Speaking in Enugu during a “Citizens’ Engagement” forum, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the current administration is intent on eliminating the perception and reality of regional exclusion. According to the minister, the days when any part of Nigeria, particularly the South-East, felt sidelined by the central government are over.
“Nigeria will never go back to that era where the South-East or a certain part of the country is being treated marginally,” Idris declared. His words were delivered to an attentive audience made up of local leaders, civil society representatives, and ordinary citizens, who gathered for the event to interact with the federal delegation.
The minister’s remarks coincided with the commencement of a three-day outreach across Enugu and Ebonyi states, part of a broader initiative by the federal government to directly engage with Nigerians, explain key policies, and showcase projects currently underway. The goal, according to officials, is to foster a culture of transparency and inclusiveness.
During his address, Idris highlighted the deliberate steps taken by President Tinubu’s administration to pursue an inclusive style of governance. This, he said, is evident not only in the geographical spread of federal appointments but also in the allocation of infrastructural and development projects across all regions.
He noted that President Tinubu’s government has taken strides to correct historical imbalances by setting up new development commissions that represent previously neglected zones. These commissions, the minister explained, are tasked with spearheading region-specific development efforts and ensuring that no part of the country is left behind in the national drive for progress.
Further addressing concerns raised by citizens over the recent removal of fuel subsidies and its economic impact, Idris pointed to a range of empowerment and humanitarian programs introduced to cushion the effects of such reforms. These measures, he said, are designed to support vulnerable populations and stimulate grassroots-level development, regardless of state or region.
“These interventions are not selective,” Idris emphasized. “They are aimed at improving the welfare of all Nigerians—North, South, East, and West alike.”
The minister expressed optimism that the full effect of the administration’s reforms will become more visible over time, particularly as various initiatives begin to take root. He voiced confidence that by the conclusion of President Tinubu’s first term, Nigerians would begin to experience the tangible results of the policy shifts currently underway.
Idris’s visit to the South-East is seen as part of a wider effort by the federal government to strengthen public communication and reestablish trust in its policies and promises.
The “Citizens’ Engagement” event in Enugu served as a platform not only for disseminating information but also for listening to the voices of the people.
Participants at the forum welcomed the opportunity to interact directly with federal representatives. Several stakeholders used the occasion to raise local concerns, suggest improvements, and offer feedback on the government’s ongoing efforts.
The tone of the gathering reflected both caution and hope. While some attendees voiced skepticism about past unfulfilled promises, many acknowledged the importance of the outreach and called for sustained dialogue between the government and the people.
As the federal delegation continues its tour of the region, observers note that the administration’s willingness to engage face-to-face with citizens could signal a shift in how policy decisions are communicated and implemented across the country.
Whether this strategy will translate into lasting public trust remains to be seen, but for now, the message from Enugu is clear: the South-East is not being left behind.
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