Reps committee on SEDC pledges effective use of N250b allocation

Don tasks commission on synergy for sustainable development
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC), Chris Nkwonta, has assured of effective utilisation of N250 billion budgetary allocations to the commission.

Nkwonta, in a statement yesterday, allayed the fears in some quarters that the funds may not be utilised to address the infrastructure needs of the South East region.

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.

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 powers to thoroughly scrutinise 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.

Nkwonta further emphasised 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 region.

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

MEANWHILE, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), Prof. Oguejiofo Ujam, has urged the Governing Board of the SEDC to leverage opportunities available in tertiary institutions to drive impactful and sustainable development in the region.

Speaking at a special reception organised by the Chairman of Oranto Petroleum Ltd, Arthur Eze, at the Oranto International Airport Hotel, Enugu, Prof. Ujam highlighted the numerous challenges facing the South-East, including approximately 2,500 active erosion sites and an unemployment and underemployment rate of 28 per cent, which is higher than the national average.

He emphasised that the interventionist agency must pursue strategic collaborations to fulfil its extensive mandate effectively. Prof. Ujam commended President Bola Tinubu for endorsing the creation of the SEDC, saying: “By quickly signing into law the Act establishing the SEDC and constituting the Governing Board, Tinubu has accomplished what Napoleon Bonaparte could not do.

The long-awaited promise of reconstruction, a key part of the three ‘Rs’ – Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Reconstruction – has remained unfulfilled by successive Nigerian leaders until now.”