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Uzodimma tasks SEDC on greater economic, social development of region
...Thanks Tinubu for establishing the Commission
Photo: Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma CON (middle) flanked by Chief Emeka Wogu, Chairman South East Development Commission (SEDC)(right) and Mr Mark Okoye Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, South East Development Commission, (SEDC) who lead led other members of the Commission on a Courtesy Visit to the Governor in the New Government House, Owerri.
The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has called on the Board and management of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to chat a course that will propel greater economic and social development of the region.
He noted that the creation of the Commission is an opportunity provided by the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to bring relief to the people of the South East region for the agonies suffered in the past.
The Governor made the call when the pioneer Board Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Emeka Wogu led his members and the Management team of SEDC, to pay the Governor a courtesy visit at the New Exco Chambers Government House, Owerri weekend.
Governor Uzodimma seized the opportunity to thank the President Tinubu “for his wisdom and courage in accepting and supporting the bill that established the Commission.”
He noted that in the past years, agitations to establish SEDC yielded no positive result, and expressed joy, however, that the establishment of the body became a reality under President Tinubu-led administration.
The Governor stressed that the people of South East Region will remain grateful to his administration.
He therefore sued for harmonious relationship between the Board and the Management of the SEDC, urging them to “use the opportunity to contribute your own quota towards the development of the region.”
“Go there. Trust yourselves. Believe in yourself. Don’t try to pull anyone down,” the Governor advised the Board and Management.
Governor Uzodimma enjoined them to make proper consultations from the critical Stakeholders in the region and ensure they conduct needs assessment of the people in their quest to serve them.
His words: “strengthen agro-businesses (food security), enhance entrepreneurship, bring in digital skills to the teeming youths as well as attract foreign investment that will improve the economy and livelihood of people of the South East.”
He further charged them to restore the dignity of Enugu as the regional headquarters of the South East, insisting that the Commission is made up of experienced hands, who have made their marks in the country as technocrats, businessmen, entrepreneurs and politicians.
Governor Uzodimma pledged the support of his colleague Governors in the South East in his capacity as their Chairman, informing the SEDC team that they will be available for them anytime, anyday to enable them serve the people better.
Earlier, the Chairman of the SEDC, Dr. Wogu, said that their visit was part of their official tour of the South East States and to strengthen collaboration with the Governors in delivering the mandate of the Commission.
He commended Governor Uzodimma for his achievements in infrastructural and social development in the State, especially in the areas of healthcare, road infrastructure, education, power, and industrialisation and civil service reforms, among others.
He assured that the Commission, as an intervention agency, will collaborate with the State Governors to drive sustainable development and unity in the South East.
Contributing, the Managing Director of the SEDC, Chief Mark Okoye remarked that “the Commission plans to create investment portfolio that would stimulate and drive the economy of the South East especially in the areas of mechanized agriculture, industrialization, and engineering the growth of private sector.”
Okoye had solicited the full backing of Governor Uzodimma as “Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum, Chairman of South East Governors’ Forum, Governor- General of the South East,” and through him, sought the support of the other Governors in the region as they prepare to hit the ground running.
