The Managing Director of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), Mr. Mark Okoye, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering inclusive and impactful development across the Southeast, stated that its first 150 days in office have been focused on laying a solid institutional and strategic foundation.
Okoye made this known while addressing journalists shortly after a meeting with the Senate Committee on the Southeast Development Commission at the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.
He explained that the Commission has spent the last five months developing a comprehensive development framework that reflected the aspirations of the Southeast people and aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda qof President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“In this short period, we’ve concentrated on building the institution, engaging with stakeholders across all levels from state and local governments to the private sector, academia, civil society organizations, and even international development partners,” Okoye said.
He added that the SEDC had also hosted sessions with development agencies operating in Nigeria to familiarize them with the Commission’s strategic plan and identify collaborative opportunities.
When asked about funding concerns, Mr. Okoye clarified that there is no challenge, noting that the 2025 budget implementation was designed to commence around mid-year. According to him, effective governance is not solely dependent on funding but on robust planning, stakeholder buy-in, and institutional strength.
“What we’ve done is focus on policy development, ensuring alignment with national goals, and gathering input from key stakeholders,” he said. “This groundwork is what determines long-term success. Visible projects and programmes will begin to unfold very soon.”
He assured Nigerians that the Commission is now fully positioned to begin implementing projects that will address key developmental needs in the Southeast region.
