Southeast, South South professionals canvass regional integration

Southeast South-South Professionals of Nigeria (SESSPN) has called for closer working relationship among governments and professionals in the 11 states that make up the two regions to engender social-economic development.

According to the group, collective development plans that will help identify key areas of collaboration among the states as well as areas of comparative advantage.At the first quarterly business and professional roundtable and conversation across the public and private sector, members said that the regions growth would depend on civic integration driven by professionals.

President of the association Denzil Kentebe noted that the level of development in the area is not complimentary of the regions contribution to the economy of Nigeria.“As a group we are particular about development and we are ready to identify opportunities for improvement in the two regions, to move the zones to another higher level,” Kentebe said.

In his remarks, Okey Nwuke, chairman organising committee, dismissed insinuations that the group is politically motivated.“We are interested in politics, but as an advisory, we will serve as a watchdog for constructive engagement with governments at all level that will help drive national and regional dialogue that will shape policy and economic development on the development of our region,” Nwuke said.

“We will leverage our collective intellectual capital and networks to champion and navigate development to our region.”Pascal Odibo, the group country director, Jeff & O’Brien Africa, and now the PRO, SESSPN describe the group as a catalyst that will bring planned growth and integration of people and assets in the region.