The Managing Director of South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye has announced that the commission would launch its strategic development plan by December.
Okoye gave the hint on Thursday in Abuja at a roundtable organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with the theme; “Rebuilding Legacy: Co-creating a new era of growth in the South East.”
He also revealed that it planned to grow the economy from $40 billion to $200 billion in 10 years, working closely with development partners and state governments.
Okoye stressed that one of the strategic objectives of the commission “is to grow our economy from $40 billion to $200 billion in 10 years, working closely with our development partners, our state governments, the organised private sectors, CSOs and the academic with interventions in four critical areas.
“The second strategic objective for us is to drive and develop high impact major infrastructure projects, region wide infrastructure projects, and get these projects.”
Also, the Resident Representative, United Nation Development Plan (UNDP), Elsie Attafuah said the establishment of SEDC was a profound affirmation that the Bola Tinubu administration was listening and, more importantly, acting to restructure Nigeria’s development architecture in ways that reflect challenges and aspirations of the diverse regions.
She stressed that there was a need to confront the dual reality of Nigeria’s immense potential and developmental challenges.
Attafuah was of the opinion that the South-east is uniquely positioned as a strategic hub for enterprise development and investment with a historic and proven model of wealth creation through its indigenous apprenticeship system, arguably one of the largest informal venture incubation systems in the world.
She noted: “This roundtable is therefore not just an honouring meeting. It is a pivot point with the launch of the SEDC strategic roadmap, we have the chance to reimagine the region as a powerhouse of industry, a hub of innovation and a magnet for inclusive investment.
“The region’s high literacy levels, backed by a dense network of universities, polytechnics and research institutions stand as a steady incubator of talents.”
Speaking, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ben Kalu, said they were at the roundtable not just as stakeholders, but as partners in a collective journey to redefine the trajectory of the South-east.
Kalu, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on SEDC, Hon. Chris Nkwonta noted that the engagement spoke to both their history and shared aspiration as a region that has long demonstrated resilience, innovation and has an unwavering commitment to progress despite long standing challenges.
He stated: “This round table provides us with a platform to give you conversations, align our goals and forge partnerships that will uplift our people and transform communities.
“The south-east is a region that is one of Nigeria’s most industrious zones. It is home to a population of over 29 million people. With a projection showing significant growth in coming decades.
“Notably, more than 60 per cent of this population is under the age of 30. This means that the South-east holds one of the most beautiful and vibrant populations in the country. It’s a blessing that we must wisely harness.
“However, we must be honest about the hurdles, infrastructure gaps, neutral environment and all the utilization of free economic assets.”
Similarly, the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh said the conference was about reviewing the legacy for creating a new era of growth in the South-east.
His words: “Therefore the South East is readily answering the call with commendable energy and clarity of purpose.
“This roundtable is not just a conversation. It is a large pact for action. It offers us a valuable opportunity to deepen and share understanding and for stronger collaboration between the regional development commissions and development partners.”