——– Participants advocate a shared developmental path that will transform the region in line with SEV2050.
The South East Vision 2050 (SEV2050) Stakeholders’ Forum, a landmark three-day programme aimed at charting a shared path to sustainable prosperity for the South East, commenced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Enugu in Enugu State, drawing key political leaders, traditional institutions, development experts, private sector players and regional stakeholders.
The forum was formally opened with prayers by the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Awka, Most Rev’d Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, who sought divine guidance for the success of the vision and the collective aspirations of the South East region.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Chief Dr. Emeka Nwogu, warmly received stakeholders from across the region and beyond. He specifically acknowledged the presence of the representative of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Benjamin Okezie Kalu; the President-General of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo Worldwide, Senator Azuta Mbata; and other distinguished guests.
Chief Nwogu expressed deep appreciation to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for hosting the event and for his visible developmental drive within the South East. He noted that the choice of Enugu as host underscored the state’s commitment to regional collaboration and growth. The governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
Delivering the Enugu State Government’s welcome address on behalf of Governor Mbah, Prof. Onyia described SEV2050 as a “great vision” capable of unlocking the vast human and natural resources of the South East. He reaffirmed the readiness of the Enugu State Government to partner with the South East Development Commission in driving regional development.
According to him, the South East is richly endowed but requires deliberate, practical and action-oriented strategies to translate its potential into sustainable prosperity. He encouraged robust and solution-driven discussions during the forum, stressing that development must go beyond rhetoric.
“In reaffirming Enugu State’s readiness to partner with the South East Development Commission, history will not judge us by the eloquence of our speeches, but by the practical outcomes and the shared vision we deliver for the development of the South East,” Prof. Onyia stated, concluding with prayers for Enugu State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the South East Development Commission, Mr. Mark Okoye, described the forum as the first major step towards collectively charting a clear and realistic pathway for the region’s development in line with the SEV2050 agenda. He spoke extensively on building the South East as a competitive and integrated region, emphasizing strategic planning, collaboration and long-term thinking.
In another address, the Senior Special Adviser to the Vice President on Regional Development, Mrs. Temitope Marshal, thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting regional development initiatives, as well as the organisers of the forum. She noted that sustainable regional development must be anchored on “simple truths” that deliver tangible value, political will and inclusive prosperity to the people.
Representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), South East Zone, and speaking in her capacity as Chairman, Board of Directors of Keystone Bank, Dr. Adaora Chukwu, lauded President Tinubu for the establishment of the South East Development Commission. She also commended South East governors for what she described as a historic initiative to chart a unified development course for the region.
Dr. Chukwu noted that the South East economy is driven by a strong regional economic backbone, stressing the need to prioritise renewable energy, stable power supply, efficient systems and a shared vision to make SEV2050 achievable. She emphasized that the Vision 2050 agenda must move beyond aspiration to reality, adding that manufacturers in the region are fully committed to supporting the commission’s objectives.
Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of Kenya to Nigeria, Ambassador Isaac Keen Parashina, said development remains a common priority for both Nigeria and Kenya, which informed his participation in the forum. He praised the leadership of the SEDC Managing Director, Mr. Mark Okoye, describing him as a friend and brother, and expressed confidence in the South East’s capacity to chart a sustainable development path.
In her remarks, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, wife of the late former Governor of Ondo State, thanked President Tinubu and the South East governors for their support of the commission. She urged leaders of the region to ensure that development initiatives are inclusive and beneficial to all segments of the South East society.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, mni, FICMC, who spoke on the theme: “Regional Diagnostics: Where We Are, Where We Could Be, and What We Could Do.” He provided critical insights into framing a shared development future for the South East, highlighting strategic choices, institutional capacity and collective responsibility as key drivers of success.
Other dignitaries present at the event was Rt. Hon Toby Okechukwu, Director of the Commission on Projects, Alhaji Sani Friday Nnaji, MD/CEO Ugwuanama Farm Estate Limited and Coordinator Tomorrow is Here Movement, Enugu East Senatorial zone, among others.
The programme later broke into two parallel technical sessions focused on “Industrial Development and Economic Transformation” and “Tourism, Hospitality and Economic Development.” These sessions featured robust panel discussions, stakeholders engagement and the exchange of practical ideas aimed at translating the SEV2050 vision into actionable outcomes.
The event was covered by Freedom Square TV, ensuring wide public access and regional engagement as stakeholders continue deliberations over the remaining days of the forum.
The SEV2050 Stakeholders’ Forum is expected to produce strategic recommendations that will guide the long-term socio-economic transformation of the South East region.