By Abubakar Yunusa
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has lauded the recent appointments to the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as “round pegs in round holes.”
President Tinubu on Friday announced the board members of the SEDC, appointing Dr. Emeka Nworgu as chairman and former federal lawmaker Toby Okechukwu as the executive director of projects.
The appointments have been welcomed as a significant step toward addressing the region’s development needs.
In a statement on Sunday, the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, praised the president’s choice, emphasizing the quality and experience of the appointees.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the serious attention he has given to the South-East Development Commission,” Okwu said.
“It is clear from the list of members that these are renowned Igbos with a track record of experience in both private and public service.”
Highlighting the credentials of the appointees, Okwu described Dr. Nworgu as a seasoned administrator who previously served as a local government chairman, political adviser, and a two-term minister under former President Goodluck Jonathan.
He also extolled the leadership qualities of Toby Okechukwu, a former Deputy Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, known for spearheading infrastructure projects such as the Second Niger Bridge and the rehabilitation of key highways, including the Abuja-Kano Road and Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Another notable appointment is Chief Sylvester Okonkwo, currently Chief of Staff to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.
“With these caliber of individuals at the helm of the SEDC, Mr. President deserves commendation. It’s a phenomenal choice that sets the ball rolling for the Commission’s success,” Okwu stated.
The Ohanaeze youth leader expressed optimism that the Commission would address the long-standing marginalization of the South-East and drive post-civil war reconstruction efforts.
“The people of the South-East have long decried the high level of marginalization, which fueled agitation for Biafra. However, President Tinubu’s actions signal a giant leap toward addressing these injustices,” he added.
Okwu called on the federal government to ensure adequate funding for the SEDC in the 2025 budget to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“Without proper funding, the expectations of our people will be cut short. But we are confident that a new era for the South-East has begun,” he concluded.
