BY EKUSON NW’OGBUNKA, ABUJA
Senator Tony Nwoye (Anambra North) is urging the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritize infrastructural development in the region. He reminded the Commission that security falls under the governors’ jurisdiction.
Nwoye charged the Commission to that effect when the SEDC management team, led by its Managing Director (MD), Mr Mark Okoye, presented the commission’s N140 billion budget before the Senator Orji Uzor Kalu led Senate Committee on SEDC over the week.
- Advertisement -
The senator expressed concern that the region’s public hospitals, schools, among others are in a deplorable state, with school children facing harsh conditions, while studying. He reiterated the need for the commission to prioritize infrastructural development, rather than venturing into areas like security, which is the responsibility of state governors.
“I won’t support the Commission’s idea of focusing on security when most government schools and hospitals are in a terrible state. Our children and teachers are suffering, and patients are not getting the care they need. We shouldn’t neglect these essential infrastructures for areas like security, which are typically the governors’ responsibility,” the legislator stated clearly.
The MD of the Commission, had presented, defended the commission’s 2026 budget proposal of N140 billion before the Senate Committee on SEDC, chaired by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. Okoye outlined the commission’s plans and priorities for the upcoming year, highlighting the need for increased funding to drive development in the southeast region.
The budget proposal allocates 78% of the funds to capital projects, 17% to overhead costs, and 5% to personnel costs. Okoye explained that the commission plans to focus on key areas such as infrastructure development, agriculture, and youth empowerment.
The SEDC MD highlighted the commission’s achievements in the past year, including the establishment of offices in Enugu and Abia states, and the launch of the Southeast Venture Capital Program. He also outlined the commission’s 100-day plan, which includes the activation of offices in other states, the launch of the Mi Abba Fellowship Program, and the commencement of the Southeast Grassroots Sports Development Program.
Okoye emphasized the importance of investing in the youth and promoting entrepreneurship in the southeast region. He noted that the commission plans to establish a venture capital fund to support startups and small businesses, and to provide training and capacity-building programs for young people.
The Committee however commended the MD on his presentation and expressed support for the commission’s plans. The committee members raised several questions and concerns, including the need for transparency and accountability in the use of funds, and the importance of involving local communities in the development process.
Okoye assured the committee that the commission is committed to transparency and accountability, and that it will ensure that funds are used effectively and efficiently. He also noted that the commission will work closely with local communities and stakeholders to ensure that development projects are tailored to meet the needs of the people.
Earlier in his opening remark, Chairman of the Senate Committee has emphasized the need for the commission’s management to work tirelessly to achieve its objectives.
Kalu stressed that President Ahmed Tinubu established the commission to drive development in the South East region, and it is imperative that the management team delivers on its mandate. He urged the team to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of funds, and to prioritize projects that benefit the ordinary people.
The SEDC’s focus areas include infrastructure development, agriculture, and youth empowerment, with plans to establish a venture capital fund to support startups and small businesses. The commission has also launched several initiatives, including the South East Venture Capital Program and the Mi Abba Fellowship Program.
