President Bola Tinubu has made fresh changes to the leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), submitting a revised list of nominees to the Senate for approval on December 6, 2024.
The adjustments are aimed at strengthening the Commission’s ability to foster development in the South East region.
As part of the reshuffle, Dr. Emeka Nworgu has replaced Emeka Atuma as the Chairman of the Commission.
Initially, Atuma had been nominated alongside other key figures, including those for the North West Development Commission, but the new changes focus on enhancing the leadership of the South East body.
The reshuffled board also sees significant adjustments to the executive directors. Stanley Ohajuruka is now the new Executive Director of Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo.
Toby Okechukwu has been appointed Executive Director of Projects, taking over from Obinna Obiekweihe, while Chief Sylvester Okonkwo assumes the role of Executive Director of Corporate Services, succeeding Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.
Two additional executive directors without specific portfolios have been introduced: Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede.
Despite the changes, Mark C. Okoye remains as the Managing Director/CEO of the Commission, ensuring continuity in its leadership.
The updated list also removes Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa from the board, but several of the original nominees have been retained.
These include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.
The reshuffle expands the Commission’s board from 15 to 16 members.
In a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the administration expressed confidence that the new nominees, with their expertise, will help realize the SEDC’s mandate and drive growth in the South East region.
All nominations are now subject to Senate confirmation, marking an important step towards making the SEDC a catalyst for regional development.
