In a historic gathering, business mogul, Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, OFR, has hosted a grand reception to honour the pioneer members of the Board and Management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The event was marked by traditional Igbo rites, deep reflections on the region’s past and a commitment to an ambitious vision for the future.
The event commenced with the presentation of the Igbo traditional kola nut by Prince Engr. Arthur Eze, followed by prayers from a traditional ruler and a Clergy. The prayers emphasized that the South East Development Commission will be an instrument of peace, unity and economic transformation for the region.
In his opening remarks, Prince Eze recounted the resilience of the Igbo people following the Nigerian Civil War. He emphasized that for decades, the Igbos struggled without national recognition until the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
“At the end of the war, Igbos were given only twenty pounds, yet we survived. President Tinubu has ensured that the Igbo people will no longer cry,” he stated.
He called on Igbos to appreciate President Tinubu for his remarkable support and vision for the South East. Prince Eze shared personal stories of hardship and loss during the war, affirming that the establishment of SEDC signifies a new dawn for the region.
“President Tinubu has rekindled the Igbo spirit, the spirit of Dr. Michael Okpara. This marks the beginning of a new era. No matter your political party, we must support him to complete his eight-year tenure.”
Dr. Emeka Wogu, Chairman of the SEDC Board, expressed profound gratitude to Prince Arthur Eze for organizing the event, which he described as a strong show of support for the commission. He assured that the SEDC will leverage this momentum to drive meaningful development across the South East region.
The MD/CEO of South East Development Commission, (SEDC) Mark Okoye II, emphasized SEDC’s commitment to rapid and impactful development. He highlighted that just two days after the board’s inauguration, the Executive Management Team submitted the SEDC Roadmap for approval, demonstrating their urgency and dedication to progress.
He stated that the SEDC is poised to turn the South East into a $200 billion economy within ten years by implementing bold and strategic initiatives.
“We are not here to compete; we are here to support and align with the programs of the state governors,” Okoye assured.
The SEDC Board and Executive Management have embarked on extensive consultations with South East governors to align their development plans with the states’ priorities.
Key insights from these engagements include:
Ebonyi Governor Francis Nwifuru stressed the need for community development and prudent utilization of SEDC funds.
On his part, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah urged the commission to build the South East into a commercial hub centered on trade and industry.
Anambra Governor Charles Soludo called for a strong focus on capital projects that will boost infrastructure and economic productivity.
Also, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State advocated for regional power generation and distribution, as well as targeted sectoral interventions.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, highlighted the need7 for commercially and socially viable interventions, referring to SEDC as a vital interventionist platform.
Prominent South East stakeholders at the meeting shared insightful observations and advice for SEDC.
On Leadership, Nigeria’s major problem has been poor leadership selection based on personal relationships rather than competence. However, SEDC’s leadership has been carefully chosen for their expertise and experience.
On Governance, SEDC was advised to adhere strictly to rules and procedures to maintain transparency and credibility.
On Regional Development, a stakeholder reminded the commission that its focus must be on the ordinary people, traders, artisans, students, small business owners, farmers, and industrialists, who dream of a prosperous future.
On Politics and Collaboration: Another stakeholder warned against unnecessary political interference, urging SEDC to focus on collaboration and regional development.
On Economic Vision, The South East should be a regional common market, leveraging its industrial and entrepreneurial strengths.
On Delivery and Impact, The commission was charged to invest, innovate, implement and inspire in order to truly impact the lives of ordinary people.
A stakeholder described SEDC as a “special-purpose vehicle for rapid development.” With the equitable opportunity now available to the Igbo people, they must seize the moment to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Furthermore, it was noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has given the South East a platform through SEDC to “end the era of traveling abroad in search of opportunities and instead build prosperity at home.”
Senators present at the event collectively thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for assenting to the bill establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC) and ensuring speedy appointment and inaguration of the members of the SEDC Board.
They also expressed gratitude to Prince Arthur Eze for his generosity in hosting the grand reception.
The event underscored a shared commitment to leveraging the South East Development Commission as a catalyst for economic transformation. With a clear roadmap, strong leadership and the backing of key stakeholders, SEDC is well positioned to unlock the vast potential of the region and usher in an era of prosperity.
