SEDC will transform South East development, says minister

Nigeria’s Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to accelerating sustainable development in the South East, stating that the newly inaugurated South East Development Commission (SEDC) will play a transformative role in advancing the region’s socio-economic growth.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the SEDC Board, the Minister commended President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to balanced national development. He emphasised that the establishment of the Commission was a milestone achievement, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of the South East people.

“The Commission has been entrusted with the responsibility to spearhead socio-economic growth in the South East, leveraging the region’s unique strengths while addressing critical development challenges. This Board embodies the expertise and vision needed to drive this mission forward,” Momoh stated.

He called on international agencies, development partners and donors agencies to collaborate with the Commission in achieving its goals.

Momoh also acknowledged the proactive role of the National Assembly, particularly Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, for their swift facilitation and assent to the bill establishing the Commission. He described their support as a strong legislative commitment to national development.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the SEDC Board, Emeka Wogu, stressed the importance of unity, strategic planning, and collaboration in ensuring the success of the Commission. He called on all stakeholders to work collectively to establish the SEDC as a model of progress and prosperity for the region.

“Our region stands at the threshold of unprecedented transformation, and it is our collective duty to steer this Commission towards sustainable development and inclusive growth,” Wogu stated.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Corporate Services at SEDC, Sylvester Okonkwo, praised President Tinubu for being the first Nigerian leader to fulfil the promise of regional development by establishing the Commission. He described the initiative as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s development landscape and called for teamwork within the Board and across all levels of the SEDC administration to ensure the successful implementation of its mandate.

Okonkwo also extended his congratulations to the Board Chairman, all members of the SEDC Board, and the Executive Management Team led by CEO Mark Okoye. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to adhering to the regulations outlined in the Act establishing the SEDC while fostering innovation and best practices to accelerate regional development.

The Commission also issued a call to action for all stakeholders, including youth, women, persons with disabilities (PWDs), religious leaders, private sector practitioners, and the South East diaspora, urging them to collaborate in advancing a shared vision of prosperity, unity, and economic growth for the region.

With the SEDC now fully operational, expectations are high that the Commission will drive sustainable infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and social progress across the South East, setting a precedent for regional development in Nigeria.