The Federal Government, national assembly, and the South-East Governors have been charged to develop and implement programmes and policies that would drive human capital development in the region.
The Executive Director of the Orlu Progressive Initiative and Convener of South-East Peace & Stability, Ikechukwu Nwabueze, gave the advice during a summit held at Abakikiki, Ebonyi State, on the weekend.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Owerri on Saturday, Nwabueze stated the need for economic revitalization and infrastructural transformation of the South East zone.
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He called for sustainable intervention programmes and strategic partnership with the traditional rulers, religious bodies and development organizations that will be instrumental in eradicating poverty and fostering unity and stability.
The Executive Director recalled the insecurity challenges, resulting to economic instability and social unrest that has plagued the zone, which has not only hindered development but has also exacerbated poverty, widened inequality and threatened the livelihoods of millions of people.
He said, “Despite the South-East region’s rich cultural heritage, vast economic potential and strategic significance in trade and commerce, these challenges have stifled growth.”
The convener of the summit urged the leaders and stakeholders to adopt a holistic approach to address the pressing concerns in the zone.
He stressed that issues such as security, economic revitalisation, and infrastructural development must be prioritised, adding that it requires the collective effort of policymakers, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations as well as the private sector to implement sustainable security that will restore peace and true progress.
Nwabueze recalled the roles the South-East region played in championing peace and unity in Nigeria, in which their founding fathers, particularly Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, stood at the forefront of fostering national cohesion
He said, “Today we must ask the question- Are we still upholding the principles and values upon which our great region was built, are we still committed to the vision of peacefule coexistence and sustainable development.”
On the vision of the Orlu Progressive Initiative, the Executive Director opened that the non-governmental and non-partisan organisation is dedicated to fostering peace, development and stability in the South-East region.
He said that their focus spans various critical sectors, which include education, healthcare, economic empowerment, humanitarian services and public awareness programmes, amongst others.
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