Abakaliki, Ebonyi State – Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has called on members of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to focus on projects that will accelerate development in the region. The governor made the appeal on Tuesday while receiving members of the commission at his office in Centenary City, Abakaliki.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, Governor Nwifuru emphasized that the establishment of the SEDC by the Federal Government fulfills the long-standing aspirations of the South East’s leaders and people. He urged the commission to avoid frivolities and work diligently to justify the trust placed in them.
“Do not engage in frivolities. Now, the development of the South East is in your hands. Do not look to the governors because we have our individual and state interests. Look beyond where you are coming from and strive to leave legacies that will speak volumes about who you are,” the governor said.
Governor Nwifuru expressed confidence in the competence of the SEDC members and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the commission. He also called on governors from the South East to create an enabling environment and collaborate with the SEDC to drive regional development.
Earlier, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, represented by the Executive Director of Commerce and Industrial Development, Sen. Anthony Agbo, outlined the commission’s strategic objectives. These include fostering partnerships among South East states to harmonize policies, pool resources, and build a robust asset base.
“SEDC has outlined a set of strategic objectives, including collaborating with states to achieve a $200 billion economy by 2025 and catalysing transformative projects in infrastructure, energy, technology, and ease of doing business,” Okoye stated.
The Chairman of the SEDC, Dr. Emeka Wogu, assured that the commission is committed to bridging the region’s development gap and positioning it for sustainable progress. He reiterated the SEDC’s dedication to delivering impactful projects that will improve the lives of people in the South East.
The meeting highlighted the collective determination of the SEDC and South East leaders to address the region’s developmental challenges and unlock its economic potential. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the commission’s efforts will lead to significant advancements in infrastructure, industrialization, and overall prosperity for the South East.