***Fatshimetrie***
The establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) by the Federal Government has raised high expectations among the people of South East Nigeria. With the announcement of its headquarters in Enugu, and the appointment of Abia MP Chris Nkwonta as the chair of the Committee of the Commission in the House of Representatives, the foundations of a new era of development seem to be in place. However, to realize these expectations, it is crucial that the Commission is quickly established with a clear action plan and objectives.
Archbishop Raphael Opoko of the Methodist Ecclesiastical Diocese of Umuahia stressed the critical importance for the SEDC to address major projects such as the dredging of the River Niger, construction of seaports and inter-state railway lines. According to him, these projects would help open the region to international trade, boost the local economy, create new jobs and facilitate trade.
On his part, Chief Chekwas Okorie, a prominent figure of the Igbo people, expressed his belief that the SEDC should also serve as a catalyst to address restitution issues related to the civil war. He noted that the South East region suffered considerable damage during and after the 1970 civil war, and that the Commission should play a crucial role in the reconstruction and development of the region to address persistent infrastructural gaps.
Igbo women, represented by the Igbo Women Assembly (IWA), also expressed their expectations of the Commission, advocating for the allocation of 5% of the SEDC budget to women empowerment programmes. They stressed the importance of supporting the role of women in the socio-economic development of the region and called for the active participation of women in the Commission’s initiatives.
In short, the establishment of the SEDC offers a unique opportunity to transform the socio-economic landscape of the South East of Nigeria. If the Commission is successful in implementing ambitious projects and mobilizing the necessary resources, it could play a crucial role in the sustainable development of the region and improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. It is therefore crucial that government authorities and civil society work together to ensure the success of this initiative and realize the full potential of the South East region.