Toba Owojaiye reporting
Abuja, Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments to the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) and the North-West Development Commission (NWDC) has buttressed his administration’s push for balanced regional growth. These appointments follow prior legislative and political developments that laid the groundwork for these commissions.
Truth Live News gathered that Hon. Emeka Atuma has been named the pioneer Chairman of the SEDC, while Hon. Mark C. Okoye is slated as its Managing Director and CEO. The commission’s board also features figures like Barr. Ugochukwu H. Agballah and Chief Hyacinth Ikpor. This announcement aligns with the earlier approval of the SEDC Bill, spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. He had previously urged the South-East populace to “say no to protests” and focus on unity and progress, emphasizing the commission’s role in addressing regional issues.
The SEDC Bill, signed into law by Tinubu on July 24, 2024, reflects a commitment to inclusive development. Its focus includes fostering infrastructural growth and addressing socio-economic challenges in the South-East, a region that provided the administration with its lowest electoral support.
Similarly, Tinubu reshuffled the NWDC leadership, appointing Alhaji Lawal Samai’la Abdullahi as Chairman and retaining Professor Abdullahi Shehu Ma’aji as Managing Director. These adjustments align with amendments to the NWDC Act, emphasizing broader inclusivity by integrating representatives from all geopolitical zones.
These initiatives are part of a larger strategy to bridge regional divides. Tinubu’s actions reflect responsiveness to regional grievances, and the recall of legislative milestones like the SEDC Bill’s passage highlights the administration’s emphasis on equity. Both commissions are expected to foster investment, create jobs, and build infrastructure, addressing long-standing disparities in their respective regions.
This focus on regional development and inclusivity is a notable political and developmental move, particularly in the South-East, where it could serve as a bridge for deeper national integration.