SEDC board visits Imo governor to strengthen South East development ties

The South East Development Commission (SEDC) Board, led by its Chairman, Dr. Emeka Wogu, paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma.

This engagement aimed at fostering synergy between the Commission and Imo State Government to accelerate development in the South East region.

Chairman of the SEDC, Wogu, in his opening remarks, acknowledged Governor Uzodimma’s giant strides in governance, particularly in infrastructure, security, industrialization and urban renewal. He commended the Governor’s commitment to rebuilding and repositioning Imo State and noted that his administration’s projects align perfectly with the mandate of the SEDC.

Wogu highlighted road construction & rehabilitation, including the dualization of Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads, enhancing connectivity, Urban Renewal Initiatives such as the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and the new Imo State House of Assembly complex. He also highlighted the provision of 305 primary healthcare centres across the state, the conversion of the Alvan Ikoku College of Education into a federal university of education, as well as the Orashi Free Trade Zone project to drive industrialization.

He reaffirmed that the SEDC was not created to compete with state governments but rather to play complementary roles with Imo state in the drive for development as SEDC is focused on addressing key developmental gaps in the region.

On his part, The Managing Director/CEO of SEDC, Mark Okoye, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to regional transformation, infrastructure development, economic growth & industrialization, power & energy, as well as security and stability in the region.

He reassured Uzodimma that the SEDC would remain transparent, accountable and focused on delivering measurable progress.

Uzodimma, in his welcome address, thanked the SEDC delegation, and President Bola Tinubu for actualising the SEDC.

He described the Commission as a long-overdue initiative that provides a strategic platform for advancing the region.

The Governor reminded the SEDC that its role is to fill development gaps, not duplicate state efforts.

Uzodimma advised that while some projects must be commercially viable, others can be socially impactful to benefit the people. “You must be vigilant, prudent, and focused on value addition,” he stressed, adding that real success will be measured by the visible impact on people’s lives.

Uzodimma also assured the SEDC of Imo State’s full cooperation, urging them to engage deeply with state governments to maximize developmental impact.