President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the transformative potential of Nigeria’s South-South region, stating that when its human and material resources are fully harnessed, it could lead the nation’s economic renaissance.
He made the remarks at the “Road to South-South National Convergence for Renewed Hope Agenda” event held at the Old Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event was organized by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South.
Represented by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, President Tinubu highlighted that the South-South is blessed not only with oil and gas but also with a wealth of natural resources, culture, and human talent across various sectors.
He stressed the importance of converting these resources into tangible benefits for national growth.
“Today’s event is significant because it marks another milestone in our journey of economic transformation,” Tinubu stated.
He unveiled the “National Convergence for the Renewed Hope Agenda” as a strategic blueprint for development, positioning the South-South region at the forefront of Nigeria’s economic revival.
In particular, the President unveiled the “Earn from the Soil” initiative, a food security program aimed at turning subsistence farming into a robust, export-driven industry.
Tinubu expressed his administration’s commitment to ensuring Nigeria becomes a leading agricultural export nation by 2025.
“We are not seeking traditional aid but strategic support that transforms our economic ecosystem,” he said, urging local and international investors to look to the South-South as a region open for business.
The President called on the youth and women of the South-South to embrace the opportunities created by the initiative, describing them as the driving force behind Nigeria’s economic revolution.
“Your energy, creativity, and determination will drive Nigeria’s economic transformation,” he said, reaffirming his promise to restore and renew hope for the nation.
In her speech, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement, South-South, Hon. Gift Johnbull, described the South-South as a critical hub of untapped economic potential.
She called for strategic partnerships to unlock the region’s vast resources, emphasizing its importance not only in oil and gas but also in agriculture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Johnbull also highlighted the launch of the Pitching Den, an initiative designed to attract entrepreneurs and investors to the region.
“This is your moment to recognize the South-South as a hub of untapped potential,” she urged.
The event also featured the unveiling of the Impact Report, showcasing milestones under the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in empowering communities and driving progress in the South-South.
Johnbull urged youth and women to actively participate in transforming their communities, noting their crucial role as “key change-makers” in the region’s development.
As Nigeria moves forward with its economic plans, the South-South region is poised to play a central role in the nation’s growth, with initiatives like “Earn from the Soil” serving as key drivers of sustainable development.