Regional Dev: FG charge SEDC to take Advantage of Diaspora’s wealth as SEDC partner UNDP, unveils roadmap for Eastern Region development

As the newly established South- East development Commission begins setting up plans to turn around Eastern Nigerià infrastructure and human capital development into reality àfter decades of abandonment due to the civil war.

The South- East Development Commision (SEDC) created recently by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has set motion in place to develop the Region with the unveiling of it roadmap in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP.).

The Minister of Regional development, Engr Abubakar Momoh charge the newly Inaugurated management of the of the SEDC to look beyond budgetary Allocation or local funding but to key into massive Diaspora’ wealth waiting to be tap as the South East produces some of best Nigeriàns living abroad that are willing to contribute towards the development of the Region.

The Minister stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the Hiigh-Level Roundtable meetings with the development partners and other stàkeholders on the Strategic Investment Opportunities in Nigeria’s South-East Region. being host by SEDC and UNDP. with the theme: “Rebuilding Legacy: Co-Creating a New Era of Growth in the South- East”..

“The Theme of today’s event is timely, bold and fully aligned with the Vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the regional development Commissions and the 8 Presidential priorities of the Renewed Hope Agenda for Example, Priorities 5, 6, 7 and 8 ,

I therefore ask the Commision not to derail from this Vision, I want to also Commend the Commision:s Management and his team, I can see this region showing the way for other Regional bodies to follow, I have no doubt you will shine”, the Minister said.

According to the Minister “Let me use this time to appreciate both SEDC and the UNDP for their dedication for successfully bringing people of this calibre together for this important conversation and I Commend them for this effort”.

The Chairmàn of the Commision, Dr Emeka Wogu.in his welcome address calls on the development partners to see opportunities available in the eastern Nigerià and which is why this interactive session should be much important for them to hear and understand what the Commision is doing so that they can invest in the region.

“This event marks the very first milestone in the partnership agreement signed between our two institutions in April of this year, a moment we consider historic. That agreement signaled UNDP’s forward-thinking and timely support for Nigeria’s new approach to sustainable development through Regional Development Commissions. We deeply appreciate that show of confidence and commitment.Today, we are gathered not just for dialogue, but for crucial conversations. As a newly established Federal Government Commission, we understand that many of you our distinguished development institutions, private sector partners, and government stakeholders, may still be assessing how best to engage with us.

This roundtable is precisely designed to open those doors and provide the clarity and confidence needed to move forward”.Dr Emeka said.

UNDP Resident Representative in Nigerià Ms. Elsie G Attafuah in her key note address on mobilizing Development financing for the Transformation of the South East.

The UNDP Representative while thanking the Federal Government for the establishment of the laudable Commision ask the forum participating not just to reflect but to act boldly and collaboratively in shaping a prosperous, inclusive future for Nigeria’s South-East region.

“The South East of Nigeria 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. This region has nurtured a thriving entrepreneurial culture, producing one of the highest concentrations of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in the country, many of whom built their wealth through scalable trade, manufacturing, and service-based ventures”.

“To truly unleash the region’s immense potential, we must boldly bridge the development finance gap. Look around, and you’ll see the region is rich with incredible assets-real estate, entrepreneurial spirit to its abundant natural resources.

“This is precisely where UNDP steps in. We don’t just offer technical advice. We work with you to design strategies that bring together smart public policy, private sector co- investment in clever ways to reduce investment risks. Our goal is simple: to attract significant capital, and to ensure it’s invested with purpose”.

” UNDP partnership will mobilize development by finance, de-risk investment opportunities, and position the South-East as Africa’s preferred investment destination by 2030.

The Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer SEDC, Mr Mark Okoye while appreciating the support from the President the ministers of the Ministry of Regional development, the UNDP , the development partners and other stàkeholders call on every one to come together toward the development of the region. According to Okoye
The South East Development Commission (SEDC) is a body created to foster sustainable economic growth and infrastructure development across Nigeria’s South East region. We serve as a catalyst for investment, working closely with public and private stakeholders to create an enabling environment for business, innovation, and community empowerment. Our mission is to drive transformative projects that uplift livelihoods, strengthen regional integration, and position the South East as a hub of opportunity and progress. Okoye after showcasing the commission’s roadmap said this was done through the contribution of critical stakeholders imputs like the South East Venture Capital Fund, South East Investment company , South East Grassroots Recreation Infrastructure development . then call for more collaboration toward making the Commision achievef his goals.