New Era of Leadership and Hope: Mark Okoye’s Inauguration Speech for the South East Development Commission
In a landmark moment for the South East region of Nigeria, the newly appointed Managing Director/CEO of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mr. Mark Okoye II, delivered his inauguration speech, outlining the future course of action for the region’s developmental trajectory. The speech, delivered with passion and clarity, touched on crucial points related to the establishment of the Commission, the challenges facing the region, and the ambitious roadmap for the future.
The establishment of the SEDC is historic, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s regional development. Created to address the developmental gaps caused by the Nigeria Civil War and to tackle the enduring socio-economic challenges facing the region, the SEDC’s mission is clear: to reshape the South East into an economic powerhouse by focusing on critical infrastructure, investment promotion, job creation, and human capital development.
Mr. Okoye opened his speech by expressing profound gratitude to His Excellency, Mr. President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the trust placed in him and his team. He thanked the leadership of the National Assembly for passing the SEDC bill into law, the Senate Committee on Regional Commissions for their diligent screening and subsequent confirmation, and the Hon. Minister of Regional Development and his team for the swift inauguration of the SEDC Board.
“The weight of expectations on this Commission is enormous given the 54-year wait,” Mr. Okoye acknowledged, referring to the long-awaited establishment of the Commission. His words reflected the deep understanding he has of the challenges that lay ahead, but also his commitment to tackling these challenges with determination.
The creation of the SEDC, following the passage of the SEDC Act of 2024, came as part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda presented by President Tinubu during his election campaign. President Tinubu’s vision for a Nigeria that is economically prosperous, socially inclusive, and regionally balanced resonates deeply in the mission of the South East Development Commission.
Mr. Okoye took a moment to reflect on the commitments made by President Tinubu during his tenure’s early days, stressing the president’s promise of fostering a society built on shared prosperity, tolerance, and equal respect for all citizens. The SEDC, he emphasized, is an embodiment of this promise, providing an institutional framework for ensuring the South East’s development is not left behind in Nigeria’s broader national development agenda.
With the official inauguration complete, the Commission is poised to carry out its mandate: overseeing the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged during the Civil War and addressing the broader developmental challenges the region faces. This includes addressing the region’s infrastructure deficit, unemployment, security issues, and promoting economic growth that benefits all sectors of society.
Despite the region’s resilience, Mr. Okoye was quick to acknowledge that the challenges facing the South East are substantial. From eroded landscapes to an urgent need for investment, job creation, and enhanced security, the region is in dire need of revitalization.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria requires between $100 billion and $150 billion annually over the next 30 years to address its infrastructure deficit, with approximately $10 billion specifically needed for the South East alone. This staggering figure highlights the scale of the challenge but also sets a clear target for the Commission.
With more than 2,500 active erosion sites displacing thousands of people, the South East is grappling with environmental disasters. Furthermore, high unemployment rates and a challenging investment climate are contributing to the region’s stagnant economic growth. These issues, combined with security concerns, have undermined business confidence, hindered foreign investments, and reduced the region’s ease of doing business.
However, despite these difficulties, Mr. Okoye emphasized the resilience of the people in the region. “We remain a resilient and enterprising people,” he stated, signaling his confidence in the region’s potential. The task at hand, according to Okoye, is to turn these obstacles into opportunities by leveraging collaboration and innovation.
The SEDC has set ambitious goals for the South East, aiming to transform the region into a $200 billion regional economy by 2035. With a population of 21.9 million and a current GDP of approximately $40 billion, this goal is undoubtedly ambitious. However, with the right strategies and collaborative efforts, Mr. Okoye believes it is attainable.
The key to this economic growth will be a multi-faceted approach involving collaboration with state governments, private sector investments, and strategic partnerships. “With support from Mr. President through the SEDC, collaboration with the Governors in the region, and partnerships with the private sector, we will lay the foundation for its realization,” he emphasized.
The goal of reaching a $200 billion regional economy is closely tied to President Tinubu’s broader vision of a $1 trillion national GDP. This target will be achieved through a focus on critical sectors such as infrastructure development, industrialization, agriculture, technology, and human capital development.
As part of its developmental strategy, the SEDC plans to engage a broad range of stakeholders, including state governments, the private sector, academic institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. Each of these groups plays a vital role in shaping the region’s future.
State Governments: The SEDC’s success will depend on aligning interventions with state development priorities. Mr. Okoye emphasized the importance of working closely with state governments to create synergies with the Renewed Hope Agenda and ensure that interventions meet the needs of local communities.
Private Sector: Securing the support and commitment of the private sector is a critical component of the Commission’s strategy. Investment and job creation will be key drivers of economic growth, and Mr. Okoye highlighted the importance of working with the private sector to promote both local and foreign investment.
Academia & Research Institutions: The role of research and evidence-based decision-making cannot be overstated. The SEDC will partner with academic and research institutions to ensure that policies are grounded in sound data and to build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the emerging economy.
Traditional Rulers & Religious Leaders: Social cohesion and grassroots engagement are central to the success of the SEDC’s initiatives. Traditional rulers and religious leaders will play a critical role in fostering community engagement, resolving conflicts, and promoting unity in the region.
Civil Society Organizations: Transparency and accountability are vital for ensuring that the development initiatives of the SEDC are inclusive and people-driven. Civil society organizations will be instrumental in advocating for the interests of local communities and promoting good governance.
In guiding its efforts, the SEDC will draw inspiration from past regional development plans, notably those of Dr. Michael Okpara, a visionary leader whose economic strategies helped lay the groundwork for the industrial and agricultural potential of the region. Mr. Okoye acknowledged the significance of Dr. Okpara’s work, noting that it was upon these foundations that the region’s current challenges and opportunities must be addressed.
The Commission’s agenda will build on Okpara’s legacy by prioritizing areas such as security, infrastructure development, industrialization, agriculture, and technology. These pillars will drive economic development while ensuring that the region’s natural resources and human capital are harnessed for long-term prosperity.
The SEDC’s strategic roadmap focuses on five key priority areas:
- Security & Investment Climate: One of the first priorities is to strengthen peace and stability in the region. This is essential for attracting investment, both domestic and foreign. Security and stability will improve business confidence, leading to job creation and economic growth.
- Master Planning & Infrastructure Development: The SEDC will work with state governments to develop master plans that will guide the execution of major infrastructure projects. This includes the construction of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure that will drive regional development.
- Agriculture & Industrialization: With a strong agricultural base, the region has significant potential to boost food security and industrial output. The SEDC will focus on enhancing value chains in agriculture and supporting industrial clusters and parks being developed by state governments.
- Technology & Innovation: Empowering the youth with digital skills and fostering a tech-driven entrepreneurial ecosystem is essential for long-term economic growth. The SEDC will invest in technology and innovation to create new opportunities for the region’s youth.
- Human Capital Development: Investing in education and healthcare is central to the region’s development. The SEDC will work to support tertiary education institutions, healthcare systems, and vocational training programs to create a skilled workforce.
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Okoye made a heartfelt appeal to friends, well-wishers, and supporters to remain focused on the task at hand. While he expressed his appreciation for the messages of congratulations, he urged all stakeholders to channel their support into actionable ideas, prayers, and commitments that would help the Commission achieve its goals.
“The greatest honor you can give us is allowing us to work tirelessly to deliver the dividends of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the South East region,” he stated, emphasizing that the focus must be on tangible results rather than celebrations.
The inauguration of the SEDC under the leadership of Mr. Okoye marks the beginning of a new era for the South East region of Nigeria. With clear priorities, a focus on collaboration, and a bold vision for the future, the Commission is set to become a driving force for economic growth, development, and social transformation.
As the region embarks on this ambitious journey, the people of the South East, together with their leaders, will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the goals set by the SEDC are achieved. Through collective action, visionary leadership, and unwavering commitment, the South East can rise to become a beacon of hope and prosperity in Nigeria. The future is bright, and the time for transformation is now.
EXCERPT
And so, a new era of my public service career takes off… thanks to everyone for your support, prayers and well wishes.
INAUGURATION SPEECH FOR THE MANAGING DIRECTOR/CEO, SOUTH EAST DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION[Protocol]On behalf of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), I stand before you today with profound appreciation.I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Mr. President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence reposed in my colleague and I to lead this historic institution. I also sincerely appreciate the leadership of the National Assembly for their role in passing the SEDC bill into law, the screening from the Senate Committee on Regional Commissions, and subsequent confirmation. My special thanks also to the Hon. Minister of Regional Development and his team for their support so far and the swift inauguration of the Board of the SEDC.With our formal inauguration now complete, we begin the critical task of executing our mandate—to oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure damaged by the Nigeria Civil War, and to tackle the broader developmental challenges facing the region.When Mr. President presented the Renewed Hope Agenda and was sworn into office in 2023, he made a commitment to showcase visionary leadership—one rooted in inclusivity, progressive governance, and strong institutions. He promised a new style of public service that fosters a society built on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard.With the assent of the SEDC Act, 2024, and the constitution of its leadership, Mr. President has reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and regional development. It is now up to us, to shape the South East we envision within the framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.The weight of expectations on this Commission is enormous given the 54-year wait. Since our nomination, I have been deeply moved by the outpour of support, ideas, and insights from across the region and beyond. We have read every email, listened to every suggestion, and acknowledged every message. Your engagement is a testament to the significance of this moment.Our challenges as a region are undeniable. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria needs to invest $100–$150 billion annually over the next 30 years to bridge its infrastructure deficit, with at least $10 billion required for the South East alone.Across our five states, we face over 2,500 active erosion sites displacing thousands of people; persistent unemployment and a challenging investment climate; security concerns that affect business confidence and an ease-of-doing-business ranking that requires significant improvement. Yet, despite these obstacles, we remain a resilient and enterprising people.For us, we have a clear target.Working with the state governments, private sector ecosystem, and development partners, we will drive the South East towards a $200 billion regional economy by 2035, thereby contributing our quota to Mr. President’s $1trillion GDP target.Today, with a combined GDP of approximately $40 billion and a population of 21.9 million, this goal may seem ambitious. However, with:– Support from Mr. President through the SEDC,– Collaboration with the Governors in the region,– Private sector investments and strategic partnerships,We will lay the foundation for its realization.Accelerated development and structured economic growth cannot be achieved in isolation. Sustainable development requires a shared vision —one shaped by the collective input and action of the stakeholders in our region.As part of our take-off strategy, we will engage with:a. State Governments – to align interventions with their development priorities and identify synergies with the Renewed Hope Agenda.b. The Private Sector – to secure their buy-in and extract firm investment and job creation commitments based on our expected interventions.c. Academia & Research Institutions – to ensure evidence-based policy decisions and a strong skills development program for new entrants into the job market.d. Traditional Rulers & Religious Leaders – to foster grassroots engagement and social cohesion.e. Civil Society Organizations – to promote accountability, inclusivity, and people-driven solutions.We will also learn from history. In guiding our efforts, we have studied past regional development blueprints, including the visionary economic plans of Dr. Michael Okpara. His strategies laid the groundwork for our industrial and agricultural potential.Building on his legacies, in collaboration with State Governments, and aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, we will prioritize:1. Security & Investment Climate – Strengthening peace and stability to attract investment.2. Master Planning & Infrastructure Development – Developing new masterplans to guide the execution of major infrastructure projects.3. Agriculture & Industrialization – Enhancing value chains, boosting food security, and revamping existing industrial clusters & supporting current industrial park projects being developed by State Governments.4. Technology & Innovation – Empowering our youth with digital skills and fostering tech-driven entrepreneurship.5. Human Capital Development – Supporting tertiary education and healthcare institutions; & vocational training.We will not pay lip service to development. The SEDC will prioritize action over rhetoric and results over promises.Our tenure will be built on transparency, accountability, and public participation. Every project will align with a clear roadmap and deliver measurable impact. In the coming months, we will embark on several projects, programs, and initiatives designed to accelerate the development of our region. Our website, launching soon, will be an interactive platform for your feedback and engagement.Regarding celebrations, receptions, and congratulatory messages, I appeal to friends, and well-wishers to allow us to remain steadfast and focused on our mission.The expectations are enormous, and we must hit the ground running. Therefore, I respectfully ask that we tone down on the social receptions, parties, or newspaper adverts organized in our honor. While I appreciate the thought, I ask that you channel your support into ideas, best wishes, and prayers for the wisdom and stamina to execute this task successfully.The greatest honor you can give us is allowing us to work tirelessly to deliver the dividends of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the South East region.These are exciting times. The future of our region is in our hands.We have been given a unique opportunity to transform the South East into an economic powerhouse. Together, let us usher in a new era of regional development and economic transformation.Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and guide our activities in the South East Development Commission.MD/CEO, SEDC
Gnc Chukwuemeka and 83 others
