By Joy Odor
The Southeast Development Commission (SEDC) Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Mark Okoye
has on Thursday outlined its plans and progressed for 150 days into its operations.
While Briefing journalists at the Senate Committee on SEDC interactive meeting in Abuja, Okoye informed that the Commission has engaged extensively with various stakeholders, including the private sector, government organizations, state governments, local governments, academia, and civil society organizations.
SEDC MD also mentioned that the Commission has engaged with international development agencies to familiarize them with the plan and identify potential areas of collaboration.
The Managing Director emphasized that despite the challenges, the Commission has been working diligently to develop a plan aligned with the President Tinubu Hope agenda manifesto.
Okoye affirmed that funding is not the only determinant of success, adding that the Commission’s role is to put together a clear plan, policy, and stakeholder engagement, stressing that the 2025 budget implementation was designed to commence around mid-year.
He maintained that effective governance is not solely dependent on funding but on robust planning, stakeholder buy-in, and institutional strength.
“What we’ve done is focus on policy development, ensuring alignment with national goals, and gathering input from key stakeholders,” he said. “This groundwork is what determines long-term success. Visible projects and programmes will begin to unfold very soon.”
According to him, the SEDC has developed a plan that reflects the yearnings of the people from the Southeast region and is aligned with the national agenda.
Speaking on accountability, the MD pointed out that the Commission is expected to make a significant difference in the lives of the people in the Southeast region, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting progress reports.
He ascertained that the Commission has received support from the government, and stakeholders are encouraged by the SEDC’s efforts to develop the region.
He noted that the SEDC is expected to work closely with stakeholders to achieve its goals and make a positive impact on the region.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Orjiuzor Kalu welcomed the Commission’s leadership and expressed optimism about its potential to make a significant difference in the region.
He emphasized that the SEDC will not be like any other Commission, as it was established in response to the specific needs of the Southeast zone.
The Chairman noted that much is expected from the SEDC in terms of addressing the needs of the people in the Southeast region.
Other Senators who are also Committee members in their different contributions assured the Commission of the Committee’s support and emphasized the importance of collaboration.
They expressed appreciation for the President’s assent to the bill establishing the SEDC and praised the Commission’s leadership team.
the Senators described the establishment of the SEDC as a golden opportunity for the Southeast region to address its specific needs.
They emphasized the importance of the Commission’s role in promoting development and addressing the needs of the people in the region.
The Senators urged the MD to be innovative and transparent in its operations, and to keep the committee informed about its plans and progress.
Recall the appointment of Mark Okoye as the South East Development Commission (SEDC) Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) is a landmark decision that signals a new era for economic growth and regional transformation.
With a stellar track record in economic planning, investment promotion, and governance, Okoye’s leadership is expected to drive strategic investments, unlock infrastructure development, and position the South East as a hub for innovation and Industrialization.
Mark Okoye has redefined public sector leadership with his innovative approach to economic development.
As Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget, and Development Partnerships in Anambra State, he prepared multi-year development plans worth $1.5 billion, oversaw annual budgets of approximately $500 million, and achieved an impressive 80% budget execution rate year-over-year.
