—- Participants advocate for strong institutions, Stakeholder engagement, Energy Infrastructure and industrialization of the region.
The South East Vision 2050 (SEV2050) Stakeholders’ Forum continued on Thursday, February 5, 2026,in Enugu with renewed focus on building strong institutions and accelerating development across the region.
The third day of the forum, themed “Charting a Shared Path to Sustainable Prosperity for the South East,” was officially opened by the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mr. Mark Okoye.
He welcomed stakeholders to the session and expressed appreciation for their continued commitment and valuable contributions. Mr. Okoye noted that the commission had carefully taken stock of all suggestions and deliberations from the previous sessions, including the address delivered by Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima.
He assured participants that the ideas and recommendations would be fully integrated into the commission’s development plans for the region.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned economist, Prof. Osita Ogbu, praised the leadership of the SEDC Board Chairman, Chief Dr. Emeka Nwogu, and the Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, for their efforts in driving the commission’s vision forward.
Speaking on the topic “Energy, Infrastructure, Governance, Human Capital, Resilience and Social Cohesion,” Prof. Ogbu stressed that the success of the South East Vision 2050 largely depends on the functionality of institutions.
According to him, strong and effective institutions are essential for sustainable development, warning that institutional failure often leads to abandoned projects and lost economic opportunities. He cited the Ajaokuta Steel Company in Kogi State as a classic example of a project hampered by political interference, weak stakeholder engagement, and poor institutional management.
“When institutions fail, the cost is enormous and denies society countless benefits,” Prof. Ogbu stated.
He further emphasized that strong institutions are created to address inequality, marginalization, and systemic weaknesses, not merely to exist in name.
Among his key recommendations, Prof. Ogbu urged the SEDC to take inventory of abandoned federal government projects across the South East, acquire them where possible, complete them, and make them economically viable. He also advised the commission to prioritize regional projects, embed learning and knowledge transfer into development processes, and recognize its role as a social agency by investing in health, education, and welfare.
The session featured interactive engagement, with stakeholders asking questions and offering insights. Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu notably contributed through thought-provoking questions that drew applause from participants.
The forum later broke into two thematic sessions. The first, titled “Powering Our Industrial Ambitions: Energy Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Industrialization,” was chaired by Mr. Emeka Onyegbunam.
The second session focused on Human Capital Development and was chaired by Barr. Osita Chidoka, former Minister of Aviation.
Prominent dignitaries in attendance included Dr. Ken Okpara, who represented the Group Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, His Royal Majesty Igwe Dr. Samuel Asadu (Ogadagidi), Lady Adaora Chukwu, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), South East Zone, Secretary to the State Government, Anambra State, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, alongside other stakeholders and development partners.
The event received extensive media coverage, by Freedom Square TV.