Ohanaeze applauds Tinubu’s selection of SEDC Board Members, urges Adequate Funding for commission

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has expressed support for the recently announced Board members of the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), praising the appointments as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of the South-East.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Youth Council, referred to the new board as a group of capable leaders whose collective experience will drive the progress of the Commission. He commended the selection of Dr. Emeka Nworgu as chairman and Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu as executive director of projects, highlighting their previous achievements in public service.

Okwu lauded Dr. Nworgu’s leadership experience, noting his tenure as Chairman of Abia South Local Government, political adviser, and two-term minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan. Similarly, Okwu praised Okechukwu, who was known as “Mr. Project” during his time in the National Assembly for his focus on infrastructure development and human empowerment. His roles as Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Deputy Minority Leader were also recognized for advancing projects like the Second Niger Bridge and the Abuja-Kano highway rehabilitation.

The Youth Council further acknowledged the inclusion of Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, Chief of Staff to the President of the 10th Senate, in the Board. Okwu expressed confidence in the leadership of the SEDC and commended President Tinubu for his thoughtful selections.

While appreciating the caliber of the appointed board members, Okwu stressed the urgent need for the South-East’s rebuilding, following the impacts of the civil war and ongoing marginalization. He urged President Tinubu to ensure that sufficient funding for the Commission is included in the 2025 national budget, emphasizing that without this financial backing, the expectations of the South-East people could not be met.

Okwu concluded by reaffirming the support of the Ndigbo people for the President, expressing optimism that the South-East’s long-awaited progress is now within reach.