● Ferdy Agu
· SEDC hails Enugu governor’s rapid infrastructural transformation
Enugu – Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to drive the region towards a unified economic market and coordinated infrastructure development to position it as a prime investment destination.
Speaking on Tuesday when he received the Board and Management of SEDC at the Government House, Enugu, as part of the Commission’s stakeholder engagement tour, Mbah also commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the body after years of unsuccessful attempts. He lauded the appointment of experienced professionals into the Commission, expressing confidence in their capacity to deliver results.
“The South East Development Commission, in my view, is an idea whose time has come. We cannot thank the President enough for bringing this idea to fruition.
“I also see SEDC as a veritable platform to launch some humongous projects and grow the region into a common market. With a landmass of less than 30,000 km² and a population of over 27 million, we can look at the zone as a market, rather than pick each state. So, we are hoping that the SEDC will help with the realisation of that common market concept.
“Again, if we treat the South East as a common market, we will begin to ask critical questions such as: what are those enablers we need in order for us to be able to move seamlessly from one city to another? What are those key enablers that will activate or make it attractive for huge investments to come to the zone? So, I am glad to hear that you are already thinking of a multimodal means of transportation, whether to do a rail line, super highways and just making it attractive for huge investment to come to the zone,” Mbah stated.
The governor pledged full cooperation with the SEDC to ensure the successful execution of its mandate, emphasizing that its objectives aligned with the ongoing transformation in Enugu State.
“I believe that we are partners in progress. We are going to work with you in any way that it will be necessary for us to achieve a common goal. On our part in Enugu, we have started a sector-wide transformative programme. What you have in your work plan is in consonance with what we are already doing,” he affirmed.
Chairman of SEDC, Chief Chukwuemeka Wogu, and the Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye – represented by the Executive Director of Projects, Hon. Toby Okechukwu – commended Mbah’s commitment to rapid infrastructural transformation.
“Your unwavering focus on health, education, and infrastructure has yielded impressive results. The enthusiasm with which you have pursued strategic development projects has garnered both local and international admiration, and your ambitious plans for power generation and other key projects reflect a clear vision for sustainable development. Today, Enugu State stands as an attractive destination for investors and a beacon of hope for its people,” Wogu remarked.
Okoye echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the synergy between Enugu State’s economic development efforts and the Commission’s regional aspirations.
Gov. Mbah of Enugu State presenting a plaque to the Chairman, SEDC, Emeka Wogu in Govt. House, Enugu, Tuesday.
“We recognise the strides that Enugu State has made in economic development, industrialization, and infrastructural advancement. These efforts align seamlessly with our broader regional aspirations,” he stated.
He further outlined the Commission’s high-impact initiatives, including the South East Security Intervention Programme, South East Regional Economic Programme, South East Agro-Mechanisation Programme, Renewed Hope Housing Scheme, $50 million South East Venture Capital Fund, South East Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Programme, Renewed Hope Community Social Impact Programme, South East Grassroots Recreation Infrastructure Programme, and Talent Development and Leadership Initiatives. GMTNewsng
