SEDC: Kalu’s appointment as chairman sparks hope for regional growth –Group

The Convener of the Anambra State Patriots for Good Governance, Chief Emma Aniagor, has commended the appointment of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu as chairman of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC). He described Kalu’s selection as a strategic and well-thought-out decision, considering his vast experience as a businessman, former governor, and seasoned lawmaker.

Aniagor expressed confidence that Kalu’s leadership would drive economic transformation in the South East, foster development, job creation and infrastructural renewal.

The creation of the SEDC by President Bola Tinubu has been widely praised as a landmark decision aimed at addressing long-standing economic and environmental challenges in the region. The commission is expected to serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, infrastructure development and poverty reduction in the South East. It will focus on revitalising the economy by promoting local production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and implementing policies that encourage investment in key sectors.

He also commended the appointment of Mr. Mark Okoye as managing director of the Commission. He described Okoye as a renowned administrator with the expertise needed to ensure the commission is run efficiently and transparently.

According to Aniagor, the combination of Kalu’s political and economic acumen with Okoye’s administrative skills, would set the foundation for a new era of growth and development in the South East.

One of the primary challenges the commission is expected to tackle is the environmental crisis in the region. The South East has suffered from severe erosion and flooding due to its topography and heavy rainfall.

Aniagor noted that with the establishment of the SEDC, significant efforts would be made to implement erosion control measures, such as dykes, drainage systems and well-planned road networks. This will not only protect communities from further ecological damage but also enhance connectivity and economic activities.

Beyond infrastructure, the SEDC is expected to stimulate industrial growth in cities like Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi, hubs known for their entrepreneurial spirit and manufacturing potential.

He emphasised that the South East has the capacity to become a production-driven economy rather than a region dependent on imports.

He called for policies that will support local industries, enhance technological advancements and create sustainable economic opportunities for the youth.

The convener further highlighted the importance of agriculture in the economic revival of the region. He urged the SEDC to explore modern agricultural techniques to boost food production and create employment, drawing inspiration from the agricultural policies of the M.I. Okpara era.

He expressed optimism that a renewed focus on agriculture would reduce youth unemployment and improve food security in the region.

Aniagor reaffirmed the confidence of the Anambra State Patriots for Good Governance in Kalu’s ability to lead the SEDC effectively. He stated that Kalu’s tenure would mark the beginning of a new chapter in the South East, one that prioritises economic prosperity, infrastructural development and social empowerment.

He called on stakeholders to support the commission’s initiatives, assuring that with the right leadership, the South East would achieve unprecedented growth and compete with advanced economies.