The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) is set to kick off large-scale infrastructural and developmental projects across the Southeast, with its full public rollout expected within the next month.
This was disclosed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, while briefing journalists shortly after a high-level meeting with the Senate Committee on the Southeast Development Commission on Thursday.
Okoye explained that the engagement, which lasted about forty minutes, was part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to keep key stakeholders informed and aligned with its vision and activities.
“We came to fulfill our duty of carrying along a very important stakeholder—the Senate Committee on the Southeast Development Commission—chaired by His Excellency Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Between our last meeting and now, quite a number of developments have taken place, so we used the opportunity to brief the committee on our progress and also receive their advice and commendation,” Okoye said.
He identified the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House Committees overseeing the SEDC, as vital partners in the Commission’s mission to accelerate regional development. Thursday’s engagement, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, served as a follow-up to an earlier session held in May.
Okoye noted that the meeting provided a platform to present a comprehensive update on the Commission’s operations and to strengthen its collaboration with the legislature.
On the Commission’s internal structure, Okoye clarified that its leadership is stable and fully functional, dismissing speculations of internal challenges.
“We have no issues with our board,” he stated, commending the Chairman, Mr. Emeka Nworgu, and other board members for their “enormous support, guidance, and advice,” adding that the board and management enjoy a very harmonious working relationship.
Responding to questions on funding and project execution, Okoye hinted that the Commission’s activities would soon be visible on the ground. While not confirming the release of budgetary funds, he emphasized that preparations are in top gear for the Commission’s official take-off.
“Very soon, our activities will be visible across the region. In the next month or so, you’ll see a lot of projects coming out of the SEDC,” he assured.
Okoye further placed the work of the SEDC within the larger context of the Federal Government’s development framework, describing the creation of regional development commissions as a key pillar of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This is one of the best policies of Mr. President. These development commissions embody the Renewed Hope Agenda. The eight priorities of the government are clearly aligned with the programs of the regional commissions,” he said.
The SEDC boss reiterated that the Commission’s strategy is built on broad collaboration with all key stakeholders—including state governments, the private sector, the National Assembly, and relevant MDAs—before moving to the grassroots level to implement transformative projects that will drive growth and prosperity across the Southeast region.
