And so, a new era of my public service career takes off… thanks to everyone for your support, prayers and well wishes.

On behalf of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), I stand before you today with profound appreciation.

I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Mr. President, Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence reposed in my colleague and I to lead this historic institution. I also sincerely appreciate the leadership of the National Assembly for their role in passing the SEDC bill into law, the screening from the Senate Committee on Regional Commissions, and subsequent confirmation. My special thanks also to the Hon. Minister of Regional Development and his team for their support so far and the swift inauguration of the Board of the SEDC.

With our formal inauguration now complete, we begin the critical task of executing our mandate—to oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure damaged by the Nigeria Civil War, and to tackle the broader developmental challenges facing the region.

When Mr. President presented the Renewed Hope Agenda and was sworn into office in 2023, he made a commitment to showcase visionary leadership—one rooted in inclusivity, progressive governance, and strong institutions. He promised a new style of public service that fosters a society built on shared prosperity, tolerance, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to treating each citizen with equal respect and due regard.

With the assent of the SEDC Act, 2024, and the constitution of its leadership, Mr. President has reaffirmed his commitment to national unity and regional development. It is now up to us, to shape the South East we envision within the framework of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The weight of expectations on this Commission is enormous given the 54-year wait. Since our nomination, I have been deeply moved by the outpour of support, ideas, and insights from across the region and beyond. We have read every email, listened to every suggestion, and acknowledged every message. Your engagement is a testament to the significance of this moment.

Our challenges as a region are undeniable. The World Bank estimates that Nigeria needs to invest $100–$150 billion annually over the next 30 years to bridge its infrastructure deficit, with at least $10 billion required for the South East alone.

Across our five states, we face over 2,500 active erosion sites displacing thousands of people; persistent unemployment and a challenging investment climate; security concerns that affect business confidence and an ease-of-doing-business ranking that requires significant improvement. Yet, despite these obstacles, we remain a resilient and enterprising people.

For us, we have a clear target.

Working with the state governments, private sector ecosystem, and development partners, we will drive the South East towards a $200 billion regional economy by 2035, thereby contributing our quota to Mr. President’s $1trillion GDP target.

Today, with a combined GDP of approximately $40 billion and a population of 21.9 million, this goal may seem ambitious. However, with:
– Support from Mr. President through the SEDC,
– Collaboration with the Governors in the region,
– Private sector investments and strategic partnerships,

We will lay the foundation for its realization.

Accelerated development and structured economic growth cannot be achieved in isolation. Sustainable development requires a shared vision —one shaped by the collective input and action of the stakeholders in our region.

As part of our take-off strategy, we will engage with:
a. State Governments – to align interventions with their development priorities and identify synergies with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

b. The Private Sector – to secure their buy-in and extract firm investment and job creation commitments based on our expected interventions.

c. Academia & Research Institutions – to ensure evidence-based policy decisions and a strong skills development program for new entrants into the job market.

d. Traditional Rulers & Religious Leaders – to foster grassroots engagement and social cohesion.

e. Civil Society Organizations – to promote accountability, inclusivity, and people-driven solutions.

We will also learn from history. In guiding our efforts, we have studied past regional development blueprints, including the visionary economic plans of Dr. Michael Okpara. His strategies laid the groundwork for our industrial and agricultural potential.

Building on his legacies, in collaboration with State Governments, and aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, we will prioritize:

1. Security & Investment Climate – Strengthening peace and stability to attract investment.

2. Master Planning & Infrastructure Development – Developing new masterplans to guide the execution of major infrastructure projects.

3. Agriculture & Industrialization – Enhancing value chains, boosting food security, and revamping existing industrial clusters & supporting current industrial park projects being developed by State Governments.

4. Technology & Innovation – Empowering our youth with digital skills and fostering tech-driven entrepreneurship.

5. Human Capital Development – Supporting tertiary education and healthcare institutions; & vocational training.

We will not pay lip service to development. The SEDC will prioritize action over rhetoric and results over promises.

Our tenure will be built on transparency, accountability, and public participation. Every project will align with a clear roadmap and deliver measurable impact. In the coming months, we will embark on several projects, programs, and initiatives designed to accelerate the development of our region. Our website, launching soon, will be an interactive platform for your feedback and engagement.

Regarding celebrations, receptions, and congratulatory messages, I appeal to friends, and well-wishers to allow us to remain steadfast and focused on our mission.

The expectations are enormous, and we must hit the ground running. Therefore, I respectfully ask that we tone down on the social receptions, parties, or newspaper adverts organized in our honor. While I appreciate the thought, I ask that you channel your support into ideas, best wishes, and prayers for the wisdom and stamina to execute this task successfully.

The greatest honor you can give us is allowing us to work tirelessly to deliver the dividends of Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda to the South East region.

These are exciting times. The future of our region is in our hands.

We have been given a unique opportunity to transform the South East into an economic powerhouse. Together, let us usher in a new era of regional development and economic transformation.

Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and guide our activities in the South East Development Commission.

Mark Okoye II
MD/CEO, SEDC