PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu today announced revisions to the proposed leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), with the updated list already submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The revised appointments, unveiled on December 6, 2024, aim to enhance the Commission’s capacity to foster development in the South East.
Among the key changes, Dr. Emeka Nworgu was named as the new chairman, replacing the initial nominee, Emeka Atuma.
Previously, Tinubu had announced Atuma and others for the SEDC board while also unveiling the leadership for the North West Development Commission.
However, the updated nominations, detailed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, and shared on X (formerly Twitter) today, included several adjustments.
The statement highlighted that “the President replaced all three initially nominated executive directors and appointed two additional executive directors.”
These changes include Stanley Ohajuruka as Executive Director of Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo, and Toby Okechukwu as Executive Director of Projects, succeeding Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo will now serve as Executive Director of Corporate Services, taking over from Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.
Additionally, Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede have been appointed as executive directors without specific portfolios. The Commission’s Managing Director/CEO, Mark C. Okoye, has been retained to ensure continuity.
The reshuffled board also saw the removal of Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa, while several nominees from the initial list, including 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, were retained.
The revisions increase the board’s membership from 15 to 16.
Onanuga emphasized that “President Tinubu expects the new nominees, as pioneers, to bring their expertise and experience to actualize the Commission’s mandate and drive development in the South East.”
The nominations are subject to Senate confirmation, marking a significant step in establishing the SEDC as a catalyst for growth and innovation in the region.