President Ahmed Bola Tinubu has been commended for his vision and commitment in integrating the South Eastern part of Nigeria into his developmental policies, through the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
The Executive Director, Projects, of the Commission and former Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Toby Okechukwu, made the commendation on Tuesday during the Oji River Economic and Development Summit held in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to him, “The Commission was established under the SEDC Act 2024 and signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as a critical vehicle to accelerate the recovery, reinvention, and prosperity of the South East region. The war decades ago damaged more than our roads and homes, disrupted our economic rhythm, slowed our institutions, and deepened a sense of marginalization. SEDC is our collective answer to that history. We must not wait for the centre to fix the East. We have to do it ourselves and do it smartly.”
Rt. Hon. Okechukwu, who represented Aninri/Awgu/Oji River Federal Constituency in the 7, 8 and 9th Assemblies, explained that the Commission was set up with a clear mission to drive sustainable development and position the South East as Africa’s preferred investment destination by 2030.
“Our mission is to drive sustainable development, economic growth, and unity in the South East through strategic investments and empowerment initiatives. Our vision is to position the South East as the preferred investment destination in Africa by 2030. We are therefore taking action: To build a $1 billion asset base within 10 years by strategically leveraging both public and private capital. We are developing programs for urban renewal, energy hubs, innovation corridors, and agro-industrial zones.”
He noted that the war decades ago damaged more than infrastructure, as it also broke the region’s momentum.
“The war decades ago damaged more than our roads and homes, disrupted our economic rhythm, slowed our institutions, and deepened a sense of marginalization. SEDC’s clear roadmap demonstrates that we are not just a bureaucracy; we are focused on long-term goals while executing in real time. It is a business-minded, regionally driven platform for catalytic change. We are launching security interventions, investing in startups, restoring broken infrastructure, and activating our human capital.”
Focusing on the summit’s host community, Oji River, Okechukwu described the Local Government Area as uniquely positioned within the Awka–Enugu–Onitsha economic corridor, whose economy, when properly harnessed, should be above many in the country.
“Oji River is not on the margin of development. It is on the edge of opportunity. The future of this region depends on smart alignment, and Oji River should not be looking only inward. We should be thinking across borders economically, logistically, and strategically. Oji River doesn’t need to wait to be absorbed into someone else’s plan. It has to position itself and shape the agenda.”
He urged stakeholders in Oji River to take advantage of key SEDC opportunities, including the Priority Project Fund, diaspora-driven urban planning, youth enterprise grants, regional security investments, and the planned 50,000-hectare agricultural development initiative.
“SEDC has allocation available to each state for high-impact projects. This money is not allocated based on size; it is allocated based on readiness. Identify the land. Mobilise your cooperatives. Get into the conversation. If you are stable, connected, and well-policed, you become a node of confidence in the regional economy.”
Okechukwu also echoed the need for strategy and coordination as the people of Oji River mobilize for the new wave of growth.
“The people of Oji River are not lacking in talent. We are not lacking in ideas. What we need now is organisation, structure, and speed. There needs to be a deliberate effort to identify Oji River’s comparative advantage. Put together your priority project list. Build your partnerships. Package your proposals. Make them bankable.”
The former lawmaker also appreciated the National Assembly, particularly, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Benjamin Kalu for legislative ingenuity in ensuring that SEDC Act was enacted, passed, and Signed.
Rt. Hon Toby used the occasion to reaffirm his personal and professional commitment to the growth of Oji River and the Greater Awgu region.
“I may hold a new portfolio, but my commitment to this place has never changed. Where Oji River is building, I will be there. Where your ideas are ready, I will open doors. Where your ambition matches your execution, I will match it with advocacy. Let’s not talk about the future anymore. Let’s build it.”