The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has called on Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to strengthen their commitment to national unity and support ongoing efforts to accelerate development across the South East.
The Commission made the call as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary, urging the people of the region to contribute actively to building a prosperous, competitive and inclusive South East.
The Executive Director, Corporate Services of SEDC, Dr. Sylvester Okonkwo, made the appeal in an Independence Day message, noting that the anniversary offers an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and renew their commitment to national progress.
Okonkwo said the occasion should inspire renewed hope in Nigeria and encourage citizens to work collectively towards a more united and prosperous nation.
He identified the South East Vision 2050 as a major framework guiding the Commission’s efforts to transform the region into a competitive economic hub, stressing the need to translate development aspirations into practical actions and measurable outcomes.
According to him, the Commission is putting in place institutional structures, strategic plans and policies to drive regional transformation, with priorities spanning infrastructure, agriculture and agro-industrial development, trade and investment, industrial growth, human capital development, youth empowerment and digital transformation.
He also emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement in achieving the region’s development objectives.
The SEDC executive director highlighted initiatives such as the South East Venture Capital and South East Investment Corporation as important platforms for promoting investment, supporting enterprise development and expanding economic opportunities across the region.
He urged Ndigbo to demonstrate greater commitment to the development agenda by collaborating with the Commission and other relevant stakeholders, investing in the region and supporting initiatives designed to improve the economic prospects of the South East.
Okonkwo expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among the Commission, governments, investors and other stakeholders would accelerate development and create meaningful opportunities for the people.
He reaffirmed the importance of collective action in building a stronger and more prosperous South East, while contributing to Nigeria’s overall economic growth and national development.
