SEDC MD Engages With Stakeholders as Infrastructural Development in South East Sets in
The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) is on the verge of launching its significant on-the-ground activities, with a major public rollout expected within the next month.
This announcement was made by the Commission’s Managing Director Mr. Mark Okoye while briefing the media, following a high-level interaction with the Senate Committee on the Southeast Development Commission.on Thursday.
The strategic engagement, which lasted between thirty to forty minutes, was part of the Commission’s ongoing duty to keep critical stakeholders informed and involved in its operations.
“We just came to fulfill our duty of carrying along a very important stakeholder with us, which is the Senate Committee on the Southeast Development Commission, chaired by His Excellency Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.
“And between then and now, quite a number of things have happened. So, we used that opportunity just to give them that high-level briefing of the affairs of the commission in that time, and to also get words of advice, words of commendation from them. And for us, it’s something we do periodically”.
Okoye identified the National Assembly, particularly the Senate and House of Representatives committees overseeing the SEDC, as vital partners. The meeting, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, served as a follow-up to a previous engagement held in May. Okoye described the session as an opportunity to provide the lawmakers with a “high-level briefing of the affairs of the commission” covering the developments that have occurred since their last gathering. The Commission sought and received valuable advice and commendation from the senators, a process Okoye emphasized is conducted periodically to ensure alignment and support.
Addressing the state of the Commission’s leadership, Okoye clarified that its board has been fully functional and in place since its inauguration on February 11th of this year in Abuja.
He dispelled any notions of internal issues, stating, “We have no issues with our board.” He praised the board chairman, Emeka Nwogu, and the entire board for providing “enormous support, guidance, advice,” and highlighted the “very harmonious working relationship” that defines their collaborative institution.
When questioned about the previously discussed issue of budget, which had not been released at the time of their last meeting, the MD/CEO offered a forward looking perspective. While not confirming the specific release of funds, he assured that the Commission is actively working towards its immediate take-off.
“Well, the key thing, like I said, is that very, very soon, our activities are going to be on ground,” Okoye stated, confidently projecting that “maybe in the next month or so, you’ll see a lot of activities coming out of the SEDC.”
Okoye concluded by placing the work of the SEDC and other regional development commissions within the broader context of the federal government’s agenda.
“This is the best, one of the best policies by Mr. President. You know, when he says democracy, these development commissions are an embodiment of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The eight priorities of the government are very clearly aligned to the programs of the regional development commissions, “ Mr Okoye .
He lauded the establishment of the commissions as “one of the best policies by Mr. President,” describing them as an embodiment of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He affirmed that the SEDC’s programs are directly aligned with the government’s eight priorities.
The Commission’s strategy, he reiterated, is to work closely with all key stakeholders including state governments, the private sector, the National Assembly, and other MDAs to ensure a collective vision before proceeding to the grassroots to commence the crucial work of implementation for the Southeast region.
