Vice President Kashim Shettima has pledged the federal government’s commitment to prioritising the development of Bakassi Deep Sea Port as a major maritime gateway.

Shettima, while speaking at the party’s presidential campaign at Calabar on Monday, said the port has received the Federal Government’s approval and support under President Tinubu, pledging to make the dream come true as an international maritime gateway.

The port, when fully developed, is expected to attract shipping companies, generate employment, stimulate industrial development, and open enormous economic opportunities for factories, businesses, and households sustained by trade.

He also noted that proposing Calabar as the seat of the Gulf of Guinea Commission Secretariat would strengthen the state’s international visibility, attract diplomatic and commercial activity, stimulate hospitality and tourism, create employment, and translate regional cooperation into economic opportunities.

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The Vice President, who led top APC officials to the campaign, assured that the Federal Government not only recognises Cross River’s littoral status but also acknowledges its efforts toward resolving the dispute over 46 oil wells.

He also assured that the government is prepared to ensure a resolution is reached to strengthen the state’s maritime identity and open prospects for greater participation in the blue economy, maritime investment, and potential derivation benefits.

Also speaking on education, the Vice President said the state is well-represented in the disbursement of education funds through NELFUND, which drives human capital development, provides relief for parents, ensures continued schooling for young people, and widens access to higher education.

He maintained that no parent should have to watch the abilities of their kids surrender to a shortage of money, saying the initiative aligns with Project HOPE Education for stronger foundational learning, teacher development, better school management, improved access to quality education and greater accountability.

Insisting that the administration has so much to finish and complete, he demanded continuity with scrutiny because citizens should never have to surrender their questions to demonstrate support.

He assured that the government will keep the affairs of the people at the centre, listen when households speak of hardship, act when communities identify neglect and correct what fails the public. The People Are the Purpose.

Earlier, national chairman of the APC, Nentanwe Yilwatda, who appealed to the people of Cross River to support the party in the forthcoming elections at all levels, said President Tinubu is a change agent who deserves a re-election on so many grounds.

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He cited the consolidation of the Deep Sea Port project, the resuscitation of the Calabar port, the Trans-Saharan Super Highway, among other numerous projects, as justification for supporting the APC ticket in the 2027 Presidential elections.

In his welcome address, Governor Bassey Otu saluted the courage and farsightedness of President Tinubu, particularly in leading Nigeria at a difficult time and yet on the path of genuine prosperity and sustainable development.

Highlighting the President’s policies in agriculture, education, industry and security, the governor assured that the people of Cross River would unanimously ensure President Tinubu’s re-election, noting that benefits of the administration’s reforms were already manifesting and would yield greater benefits in the years to come.

For his part, the Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, Abdulaziz Yari, said President Tinubu had performed creditably well and is deserving of a second term, dispelling rumours that the northern part of the country would not support the President’s re-election bid.

Earlier, on a courtesy visit to the Palace of the Obong of Calabar, His Eminence, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu, the Vice President, said the visit to the royal father was to acquaint him with the party’s aspirations in the 2027 general elections and to pay homage to the traditional institution in the state.

He applauded the paramount ruler of the Efik people for his steadfast devotion and dedication to the preservation of the cultural heritage and virtues of the Efik nation, which he noted is worthy of emulation by political leaders across the country.

Governor Bassey Ottu of Cross River State also received royal blessings and support for the APC and the federal government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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In his remarks, the Obong of Calabar thanked his guests for the visit and the honour of presenting their wishes, aspirations and requests for royal recognition and approval.

He said the visit to the palace was the beginning of greater unity among traditional rulers in the state and urged unity and peaceful coexistence among leaders and people of the state.

He also applauded the reforms and policies of the Tinubu administration, describing the President as the man with the heart to take on difficult reforms with long-term benefits for the country and citizens.

Also present at the Calabar campaign rally were President Godswill Akpabio; Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom; Monday Okpebholo of Edo; and Hope Uzodinma of Imo; members of the APC Presidential Campaign Council; and party leaders from Cross River State, the South-South region, and beyond.