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Tag: South East Development Commission

  • Leverage resources to drive sustainable development in Southeast, UNN VC urges SEDC

    Leverage resources to drive sustainable development in Southeast, UNN VC urges SEDC

    The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Oguejiofo T. Ujam, has called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to leverage the resources and expertise of tertiary institutions in the region to drive impactful and sustainable development.

    Speaking at a special reception hosted by Prince Arthur Eze at the Oranto International Airport Hotel in Enugu, Prof. Ujam emphasized the urgent need for strategic partnerships. He highlighted the region’s pressing challenges, including over 2,500 active erosion sites and an unemployment and underemployment rate of 28%, surpassing the national average.

    Commending President Bola Tinubu for establishing the SEDC, Ujam described it as a long-overdue intervention. “By swiftly signing into law the Act establishing the SEDC and constituting its Governing Board, President Tinubu has accomplished what previous administrations failed to do,” he remarked. He noted that the initiative aligns with the long-unfulfilled promise of post-war Reconstruction in the Southeast.

    Prof. Ujam urged the Emeka Wogu-led board to align SEDC’s developmental programs with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda and emphasized the role of universities in fostering progress. “Our doors are open for collaborative ventures that will help fulfill SEDC’s ambitious mandate,” he assured.

    Addressing dignitaries, including Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, Ujam lamented the region’s prolonged socio-economic struggles, exacerbated by political instability, environmental challenges, and inadequate infrastructure.

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    He proposed that a partnership between universities and the SEDC could yield significant progress in enhancing education, research, and infrastructure. “By investing in improved classrooms, laboratories, libraries, staff training, ICT facilities, and student accommodations, we can modernize our institutions and equip them for the demands of the digital age,” he stated.

    The Vice Chancellor also expressed concern over the region’s security issues, partly fueled by separatist agitations, and cited World Bank estimates that Nigeria would need to invest $10 billion annually over the next 30 years to bridge the Southeast’s infrastructure gap.

    Reiterating his call for synergy, Ujam urged the SEDC board to prioritize programs that align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that their success would serve as a testament to President Tinubu’s commitment to the Southeast.

    “This gathering symbolizes a new era of collective reasoning to chart a sustainable development pathway for the Southeast,” he said, acknowledging Prince Arthur Eze for organizing the event. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the SEDC’s policies and ensuring its success in addressing the region’s development challenges.

  • We ‘ll enforce strict oversight, ensure transparency, accountability – Reps committee on SEDC

    We ‘ll enforce strict oversight, ensure transparency, accountability – Reps committee on SEDC

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Hon. Chris Nkwonta, has assured that his committee will be thorough in its oversight functions to ensure accountability and transparency in the utilization of funds.

    In a statement, the Chairman allayed the fears and concerns being expressed in some quarters of the society that the funds may not be well utilized to address the infrastructure needs of the South East region.

    Nkwonta who represents Ukwa East and West Federal Constituency of Abia State said that his committee like that of the Senate also wields equal oversight authority to thoroughly scrutinize and guide the agency’s activities, ensuring they align with the region’s best interests.

    “We will ensure the agency’s programmes and projects are implemented effectively and efficiently,” he stated in a statement. 

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    Nkwonta further emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying his committee would work closely with regional stakeholders, including state governments, traditional leaders, and community groups, to address the needs of the South East region.

    Declaring that House Committee is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the South East region by ensuring the funds are well utilized, Nkwonta added that South East region can expect a renewed focus on development, growth, and prosperity.

    It will be recalled that Nkwonta’s committee last week approved N250 billion as the takeoff grant for the SEDC during its budget defence at the national assembly. 

  • SEDC’s Okoye commits to innovation, development in South east

    SEDC’s Okoye commits to innovation, development in South east

    The Managing Director/CEO of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mr. Mark C. Okoye II, has pledged to lead the Commission with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and accountability.

     Speaking at the official inauguration of the SEDC Board at Abuja, Okoye emphasised the Commission’s role in transforming the South East region into a hub of socio-economic growth and inclusive development.

    Okoye, in a statement by the Department of Corporate Services SEDC lauded the Federal Government’s commitment to regional development, crediting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the SEDC—a milestone achievement that previous administrations were unable to accomplish. “Together, we will support the Governors in realizing a South East that thrives on opportunity, equity, and progress,” he affirmed.

    Highlighting the Commission’s mission, Mr. Okoye stressed the importance of leveraging the region’s unique strengths while addressing critical development challenges. He called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors, as well as the South East diaspora, to collaborate in advancing the region’s growth.

    Read Also: Minister, senators task SEDC, NEDC members on transparency, accountability

    The SEDC Board, chaired by Dr. Emeka Wogu, is composed of seasoned professionals whose diverse expertise will guide the Commission’s strategic initiatives. In his remarks, Dr. Wogu underscored the need for unity and strategic planning, urging stakeholders to work collectively in transforming the South East into a beacon of hope and progress.

    The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to the principles outlined in its founding Act, promising transparency and innovative approaches to expedite the realization of its developmental mandate. It also called on youth, women, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), religious leaders, private sector actors, and the broader community to unite in building a prosperous and cohesive region.

    With the inauguration of the SEDC Board and a clear vision under the Chairmanship of Dr. Emeka Wogu, a new era of sustainable regional development has begun for the South East and Nigeria.

  • Tinubu’s creation of South East Development Commission historic act of love – Ogbede

    Tinubu’s creation of South East Development Commission historic act of love – Ogbede

    The newly appointed Executive Director of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Natural Resources for the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Dr. Clifford Ogbede, has described the commission’s establishment as a testament to President Bola Tinubu’s deep love and concern for the South East region.

    Speaking at his Umuekwune, Obiangwu country home in Ngor Okpala LGA, Imo State, during a congratulatory visit by the Ngor Okpala Journalists Forum, Ogbede highlighted the historic significance of the commission. 

    He noted that the creation of the SEDC addresses a challenge lingering since the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War over 50 years ago, an issue past administrations failed to resolve despite sustained agitations.

    “For President Tinubu to brave the odds and establish the commission shows his noble intentions for the South East,” Ogbede said, praising the president’s political and moral will to end the perceived marginalization of the zone. 

    He emphasized that the commission will accelerate development in the region, reduce tensions, and address long-standing grievances.

    Ogbede also commended Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, for his pivotal role in the commission’s creation, as well as members of the 10th National Assembly for their collaborative efforts with the president to bring the SEDC to fruition.

    Regarding his appointment, Ogbede expressed gratitude and described it as a call to serve God and humanity. 

    Read Also: We’ll lift Africa out of poverty, says Tinubu

    He pledged to fulfill his responsibilities with integrity, humility, and a commitment to the people of the South East.

    He also called on members of the Ngor Okpala Journalists Forum to partner with the SEDC, emphasizing the vital role of media professionals in supporting the commission’s mission. 

    “As opinion molders from the zone, your partnership will greatly enhance the commission’s ability to deliver on its mandates,” he said.

    Ogbede concluded by expressing confidence in the team of experienced leaders appointed to oversee the SEDC, assuring that its objectives would be achieved under their leadership.

  • Tinubu overhauls South East Development Commission Board

    Tinubu overhauls South East Development Commission Board

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reconstituted the board of the South East Development Commission, introducing a new chairman, fresh executive directors, and expanding the overall membership. 

    The reconstituted list comes hours after the initial nominations were announced. 

    The announcement of the reconstitution, made in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, reflects the President’s commitment to ensuring effective leadership and development in the South East region.

    Dr. Emeka Nworgu has been nominated as the new chairman, replacing Hon. Emeka Atuma, who was originally slated for the role. 

    The reshuffled board retains Hon. Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, acknowledging his leadership and continuity in steering the Commission’s objectives.

    The updated board features five executive directors, three of whom are replacements for previous nominees. 

    Stanley Ohajuruka has been nominated as the Executive Director of Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo, while Toby Okechukwu has been named Executive Director of Projects, succeeding Obinna Obiekweihe. 

    Chief Sylvester Okonkwo takes over as Executive Director of Corporate Services, a role previously assigned to Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja. 

    In addition, Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede have been introduced as new executive directors without specific portfolios.

    While retaining key members such as Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Barr. Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, the President also removed Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa from the board. 

    Other retained nominees include Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.

    With these changes, the SEDC board now has 16 members, an increase from the initial composition. 

    All nominations remain subject to Senate confirmation.

    President Tinubu expressed confidence in the capabilities of the newly nominated team, urging them to leverage their experience and expertise to actualize the Commission’s mandate of advancing sustainable development in the South East region. 

    The President’s vision underscores his administration’s commitment to fostering equity, progress, and national unity through transformative initiatives like the SEDC.

  • South East Development Commission: A pathway to sustainable growth, regional transformation

    South East Development Commission: A pathway to sustainable growth, regional transformation

    By Pharm. Ikeagwuonwu Chinedu Kinsmann

    It was with much euphoria that the great citizens of the South-East region of Nigeria welcomed the recent creation of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In spite of its rich history and significant contributions to national development, the South East region has long been beleaguered with some of the most critical, diverse and persistent socioeconomic and infrastructural challenges. According to the World Bank, Nigeria needs an annual investment of between $100 billion to $150 billion to bridge its infrastructure gap nationwide, with the South-East alone requiring roughly $10 billion annually to address its most pressing needs. This highlights the magnitude of the task ahead of the SEDC.

    The SEDC aims to promote dynamic infrastructural development and sustainable economic growth in the South East region. It is well intended to address the appalling legacies of the Nigerian Civil War, while tackling emerging challenges and laying the roadmap for a more secure and prosperous future for the South East. By adopting innovative and market-based approaches, the Commission can harness the knowledge of the private sector, the experience of public institutions, and the networks of civil society to create lasting solutions to the perennial challenges plaguing the region. 

    Therefore, President Tinubu’s signing of the SEDC Bill was an audacious step toward giving the South-East the requisite tools to chart its own course, and fulfill its own destiny. Mr. President’s action reflects his hallmark commitment to national cohesion and inclusivity. By empowering regions to take charge of their development in congruence with the original idea of the founding fathers of the nation, the President has boldly demonstrated his administration’s dedication to promoting equitable growth, justice and peace across Nigeria. 

    However, the establishment of the SEDC should transcend mere symbolism. For the Commission to achieve its full potential, it must learn from the pitfalls of similar commissions, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC); which despite the noble intentions behind its establishment, is finding it hard to live up to public expectation due to crass inefficiency and brazen corruption. The SEDC must avoid the quagmires that have befallen other regional development commissions by strictly adhering to principles of transparency, accountability, and long-term strategic planning. 

    As a patriotic Nigerian and a proud citizen of the South East region, it is my utmost desire for the SEDC to not only live up to, but surpass its mandate. Therefore, I am impelled to offer my humble suggestions on how the Commission can achieve the herculean task ahead of it. This article highlights effective strategies for the success of the SEDC, while learning from the successes and failures of similar commissions around the world. 

    *Strategies for SEDC’s Success*

    To maximize its effectiveness and achieve its set objectives, the SEDC must adopt several critical strategies, including the following: 

    1. *Develop a Comprehensive Regional Development Plan*: For the Commission to function efficiently, it must have a clear and well-defined roadmap. This should be based on thorough consultations with local stakeholders, the civil society, and international development agencies. A successful example can be drawn from the East African Community’s (EAC) regional infrastructure development plan, which prioritizes interconnected infrastructure projects for sustainable regional integration. 

    2. *Leverage Diaspora and Private Sector Investment*: The South-East boasts a vibrant diaspora that has demonstrated a keen interest in contributing to the region’s development. The SEDC can emulate the success of the Israel Bonds initiative, which tapped into its diaspora to raise billions in investment for national projects. By creating a South-East Development Fund, the commission can attract significant investments from its diaspora and private sector investors. The Israel Bonds, initially subscribed to by the American Jewish Community seeking to support the growth of their new country, is currently being invested in by both public and private sector interests, with worldwide sales currently in excess of $48 billion.

    3. *Focus on Critical Infrastructure*: Infrastructure remains one of the greatest challenges in the South-East. The region’s roads, power supply, and transportation systems require urgent intervention. The SEDC should prioritize projects that have an immediate impact on trade and commerce. While considerations must be made for intermodal transport system for the region, an interstate railway system, similar to the one that drives the Gautrain in South Africa, would greatly enhance connectivity and economic opportunities across the region. 

    4. *Promote Industrialisation and SME Development*: The entrepreneurial spirit of the South-East is clearly unmatched. The SEDC should create special industrial zones and SME clusters that provide necessary infrastructure, access to financing, and skills training. This will help boost manufacturing and job creation. Countries like Malaysia have successfully implemented similar initiatives, resulting in robust industrial growth. 

    5. *Engage in Environmental Rehabilitation*: The South-East suffers from significant environmental degradation, exacerbated by erosion and the lingering effects of the Civil War. The SEDC must address ecological problems through large-scale afforestation projects and the construction of drainage systems. Rwanda’s environmental rehabilitation program, which reversed several years of significant ecological damage, could serve as a model. 

    6. *Strengthen Accountability and Transparency*: One of the lessons from the NDDC is that without proper oversight, development commissions can become mired in corruption and inefficiency. The SEDC must adopt a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure accountability. Introducing a public dashboard, where project timelines, budgets, and outcomes are made accessible to the public, would certainly ensure transparency and shore up public trust. 

    7. *Foster Strong Government Partnerships*: The SEDC should work closely with state governments, federal institutions, and international development partners to achieve synergy. Countries like Kenya have demonstrated how effective partnerships between regional development commissions and government agencies can significantly improve service delivery and project completion rates. 

    *Avoiding the Pitfalls of Past Commissions*

    The NDDC offers important practical lessons to the incoming Board, Management and staff of the SEDC. Projects under the NDDC were frequently abandoned, plagued by poor management and corruption. To avoid these mistakes, the SEDC must be proactive in its project selection and execution, ensuring that only priority projects are undertaken and that they are completed within agreed timelines and budgets. 

    By establishing clear metrics for success and regularly auditing its activities, the SEDC can maintain focus on its mission to improve the South-East’s infrastructure and economy. It is also crucial that local communities are involved in the decision-making processes. The success of the Amhara Development Association (ADA) in Ethiopia, which focused on inclusive community development, demonstrates the importance of stakeholder engagement. Even as an NGO, was able to build and hand over over 145 schools and 84 health institutions, all fully equipped, to communities in the Amhara Region. 

    *The last lines…*

    Now that the South-East has finally secured the long-awaited SEDC after close to a decade of agitation, it falls on the region to ensure that the commission achieves its mandate. As the proverb goes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The SEDC represents the first step in a long journey toward sustainable development and prosperity for the South-East. I humbly urge President Tinubu to take his commitment to the development of the South-East a notch further in the appointment of the Chief Executive Officer, the Directors and other key personnel of the SEDC. It is crucial for the President to reenact his legendary prowess at fixing round pegs in round holes, in the constitution of the SEDC leadership. And by ensuring adequate budgetary allocation to the SEDC, President Tinubu will etch his name in gold in the annals of the South-East region. 

    In any case, it is up to all stakeholders—governments, civil society, and especially Ndigbo worldwide, who are the core beneficiaries of the SEDC,—to ensure that this historic journey leads to the desired destination. 

    Klinsmann, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), writes from Dunukofia LGA of Anambra State.

  • South East Development Commission as path to economic revival

    South East Development Commission as path to economic revival

    Last month, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the bill establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) into law. First introduced in the National Assembly in June 2016, the bill aims to reconstruct and rehabilitate the region’s infrastructure damaged during the Nigerian Civil War of 1967-1970. This move by the Federal Government has been met with a mix of jubilation and anticipation, raising the question: what comes next?

    Today, the SEDC presents a unique opportunity for regional integration and transformation in the Southeast. It holds the promise of addressing the infrastructure deficits that have long hindered the region’s development while also offering a means to heal the deep wounds left by the Civil War. However, for this promise to be fulfilled, several critical factors must be carefully considered. We need to assess whether the SEDC can indeed serve as the catalyst for the Southeast’s development, whether the challenges facing the region have been comprehensively captured within the SEDC’s framework, and, crucially, whether the financial provisions outlined in the law are adequate to bring about the substantial changes that the region desperately needs.

    To start, the South East faces significant challenges. Recent data from the World Bank indicates that Nigeria needs to invest between $100 billion to $150 billion annually over the next 30 years to mitigate the national infrastructure deficit, with the South East requiring about $10 billion annually. Erosion remains a critical issue, with over 2,500 active sites displacing hundreds of thousands and affecting livelihoods. The National Bureau of Statistics reports unemployment and underemployment rates at 28%, slightly higher than the national average. Furthermore, the region grapples with heightened insecurity, partly due to secessionist agitation—a lingering effect of the Civil War.

    The SEDC has the authority to address these challenges, and the economic potential of the region is significant. With an aggregate GDP of approximately $33.2 billion and a population of about 21.9 million, the Southeast ranks similarly to countries like Zambia and Cameroun in terms of GDP per capita, though it falls behind more diversified economies such as Kenya and Egypt. This highlights the need for focused development policies and investments.

    The RRR (Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation) policy was introduced by General Gowon’s government after the Civil War to address the destruction and suffering in the South East. Despite the commitments made to reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation, many promises were not fully realized due to limited resources, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and political complexities. The creation of the SEDC by President Tinubu’s administration represents a renewed commitment to fulfilling these long-overdue promises and aligns strongly with the Renewed Hope agenda.

    For the SEDC to be truly transformative, it must have a clearly defined strategy for the short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. In the short term, the commission might focus on vocational education, formalizing the Igbo apprenticeship system known as “Igba-boi,” and exploring the creative economy by investing in technology, the digital economy, and the sports ecosystem. These sectors offer immense opportunities for the region’s young and enterprising population. Proper planning and focused policy implementation will improve the region’s competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment and boost job creation.

    Mid-term plans should lay the foundation for sustainable solutions. Currently, there is limited firsthand data to quantify the actual damage suffered by the region, and no comprehensive South East regional development plan exists. The SEDC’s establishment marks the first time since the Civil War that the region has been given the opportunity to drive its own development with full Federal Government support.

    Read Also: South East Development Commission will tackle ecological problems in Igboland – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    To maximize this opportunity, the SEDC must consult extensively to guide the development of a long-term plan for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the region. This exercise will inform the commission’s interventions in areas such as combating environmental degradation, rebuilding farm settlements, industries, markets, and housing in communities destroyed during the war.  The medium-term plan should also consider commissioning feasibility studies for critical infrastructure projects like gas processing plants, regional multi-modal transportation systems, and agriculture value chain initiatives.

    The long-term vision for the SEDC should focus on materializing these plans by building critical physical infrastructure to drive inclusive, sustainable growth and economic prosperity. This includes gas pipelines, interstate railways, a functional river port connected to larger ports in the South West and South-South regions, and new industrial parks and SME clusters.

    President Tinubu has graciously assented to the bill, and the commission has been established with a clear mandate and provisions for financing its interventions. The next step is to appoint competent leadership to execute this bold initiative. The individuals entrusted with this responsibility should have a proven track record in development planning and public policy formulation, and they should foster strong partnerships at state, regional, national, and international levels.

    The success of the SEDC will depend on robust collaborations with federal government agencies, host state governments, the private sector, and development partners. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as a possible South-East Development Fund – could attract investments from the capital markets, the diaspora, and other investors – to finance bankable infrastructure projects that yield substantial long-term returns.

    The SEDC can draw valuable lessons from the experiences of other regional development commissions, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the North-East Development Commission (NEDC). Studying their successes and challenges will provide insights into best practices and potential pitfalls to avoid. For example, the SEDC must institute transparent and accountable project selection, design, execution, and monitoring processes to prevent issues such as abandoned or substandard projects.

    President Tinubu’s administration has set forth a Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing economic recovery, national security, and social cohesion. The SEDC aligns seamlessly with this agenda, as it seeks to bring economic prosperity and stability to the South East. By breaking the jinx of a 54-year wait, President Tinubu has demonstrated his commitment to inclusive development and national unity. This historic achievement deserves great commendation, as it lays the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous Nigeria.

    The South East Development Commission holds the promise of a brighter future for the region. By addressing infrastructure deficits, promoting industrialization, and tackling unemployment and insecurity, the SEDC can unlock the region’s vast socioeconomic potential and drive transformative change for generations to come.

    The SEDC is an olive branch and a beacon of hope. Let’s take it.

    • Mark Okoye is a former two-time commissioner for Budget and Planning in Anambra, and the MD of the Anambra Investment Promotion & Protection Agency
  • South East Development Commission will tackle ecological problems in Igboland – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    South East Development Commission will tackle ecological problems in Igboland – Deputy Speaker, Kalu

    Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has said that the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) will assist in solving the ecological challenges in the Southeast.

    The Deputy Speaker gave the assurance while speaking at Uzoakoli in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State as part of his tour of the 13 electoral wards in his constituency.

    During the tour, Kalu who distributed bags of rice and fertiliser to his constituents told them that the fertilizers were kind gestures from the federal government to support agricultural activities in the rural communities while the bags of rice were procured to appreciate the people for their support to him in the last election.

    He said that President Tinubu is interested in the development of  the region, hence his resolve to assent to the South East Development Commission (SEDC) bill sponsored by him.

    He assured the people that the SEDC will tackle the ecological problems bedeviling Uzoakoli Ward.

    He said: “I want to thank you all for voting and supporting me. May God bless you all.

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    “President Bola Tinubu in a show of love for the Igbo signed the South East Development Commission Bill (SEDC) into law. It will be used to rebuild our beloved Southeast. Thank Mr President for this kind act.

    “I promise you if there’s anywhere that the federal government needs to repair erosion damages, it’s starting from Uzuakoli ward. Whatever our dear President approves, your community will be there among those communities for repairs and reconstruction.”

    Kalu also received various decampees from other political parties into the ruling All progressives Congress (APC).

    Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, Levinus Nwabughiogu said in a statement that Kalu also visited Umuimenyi/Nkpa ward where he equally distributed bags of fertilizers and rice with cash donations and also appreciated the people for their support.

    He was also received by different youth and women’s groups and traditional rulers upon his arrival.

    It will be recalled that the popular Nkpa road and bridge hitherto in dilapidation got the attention of the federal government after the deputy speaker in 2019 moved a motion of urgent public importance for the reconstruction of the all-important infrastructure