SEDC will revolutionise South-East economy – Executive Director

The newly inaugurated Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) has pledged to transform the economic landscape of the region, addressing long-standing infrastructural decay, environmental challenges, and youth unemployment.

Speaking shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inaugurated the commission’s governing board in Abuja, Dr. Clifford Ogbede, the Executive Director in charge of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Rural Development, described the establishment of the SEDC as “a historic moment for the Southeast, akin to a century-long celebration.”

According to Dr. Ogbede, the commission is set to unlock the region’s agricultural and industrial potential, leveraging federal government support to drive economic prosperity.

“For the first time since the civil war ended 54 years ago, the Southeast is receiving federal attention. We have been clamoring for reintegration, and President Tinubu has made history by approving the establishment of SEDC. This is an opportunity to rebuild our region, restore our lost economic strength, and create jobs for our people,” he said.

Dr. Ogbede assured stakeholders that a comprehensive roadmap for agricultural development is in the works, promising to unveil it soon.

“We have the mandate to boost agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. While I won’t disclose all details now, what I can say is that we are developing a strategy that will make Nigerians proud. The Southeast has always been an entrepreneurial hub, and with this intervention, we will create wealth and food security,” he added.

Acknowledging the region’s unique challenges, Dr. Ogbede pointed to environmental degradation, insecurity, and high unemployment as key issues that SEDC will address.

“We are aware of the pressing problems – erosion, poor infrastructure, and security concerns. But we have the capacity to turn things around. The federal government’s intervention through SEDC will bring development, attract investors, and boost industrialization,” he assured.

Dr. Ogbede emphasized that the commission is structured to deliver immediate, mid-term, and long-term impact.

“We have a ‘quick-win’ approach for short-term results, a mid-term plan, and a long-term vision for the region. In the next one or two years, people will start seeing real changes. Employment will rise, infrastructure will improve, and industrial activities will increase. Just watch and see,” he declared.

Dr. Ogbede also lauded the efforts of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who spearheaded the legislation that birthed the commission.

“We owe a lot of gratitude to the Deputy Speaker, a great son of the Southeast, who worked tirelessly to ensure this bill was passed and signed by the president. Many doubted it would happen, but he made sure it became a reality. His efforts will never be forgotten,” he stated.

As the SEDC embarks on its mission, expectations are high that the commission will restore the Southeast to its pre-war economic glory, when it was one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Earlier, the Managing-Director of the Commission, Mark Okoye. assured that the SEDC would work closely with state governments, private investors, and stakeholders to implement initiatives, the aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Outlining the commission’s immediate focus, Okoye outlined a five-point plan with focus in agriculture, industrial park development, mass housing, sport infrastructure and technology-driven development.

Okeye said, “We waited through six military regimes and four democratic presidents before this became a reality, within one year, President Tinubu passed the law, signed the bill, nominated the leadership, and allocated funds, now , it’s time for action.

Both officials paid tribute to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu for championing the SEDC bill.