The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Southeast Zone, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the South East Development Commission (SEDC), describing it as a demonstration of his genuine commitment to inclusiveness, regional development, and national progress.
Youths Pledge Support for Development Initiatives
The youth body assured Tinubu of continued backing for all sincere efforts aimed at accelerating development, creating opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, promoting investment, and enhancing growth across the region. Speaking at a press conference in Enugu, the youths reaffirmed their confidence in the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, Mr. Mark Okoye, hailing him as a visionary leader capable of driving the region's development agenda.
NYCN Vice President Highlights Expectations
Dr. Henry Atigwe, Vice President of NYCN Southeast Zone, stated that the youth body felt compelled to publicly declare its support for Okoye and the Commission amid growing confidence among young people in the agency's leadership and activities. Atigwe noted that since the SEDC's establishment, the people of the Southeast have eagerly anticipated practical steps to address decades of infrastructural deficits, economic challenges, youth unemployment, and developmental neglect.
Although the commission is relatively young, Atigwe said it has already demonstrated commitment to laying a foundation for sustainable development through strategic programmes, stakeholder engagements, and institutional reforms.
SEDC as a Beacon of Hope
“The South East Development Commission stands today as one of the most proactive regional intervention agencies in the country. Since its inauguration, the commission has demonstrated a clear commitment to developmental programmes, capacity-building initiatives, economic empowerment opportunities, and institutional frameworks aimed at repositioning the Southeast for sustainable growth and prosperity,” Atigwe said.
The youth leader described the SEDC as a beacon of hope for millions of Southeasterners, adding that its efforts in infrastructure development, investment attraction, youth empowerment, and economic revitalisation deserve public support. He stressed that meaningful development is a gradual process requiring vision, consistency, institutional stability, and collaboration among stakeholders, noting that no serious development agency can achieve transformational results overnight.
Confidence in Mark Okoye's Leadership
Atigwe expressed confidence in Okoye's ability to lead the commission through its formative years, citing his experience in governance, public administration, economic development, and investment promotion. “Mr. Mark Okoye possesses the professional competence, public policy experience, developmental expertise, and strategic leadership required to guide the commission through this critical phase of institution-building,” he stated.
The NYCN urged individuals, groups, and stakeholders to evaluate the commission based on measurable outcomes, ongoing initiatives, and its long-term development vision rather than distractions that could undermine its mandate.
Criticism of Media Trial
The council also criticised what it described as a “media trial” of the commission in Abuja, alleging that attempts to discredit the agency were driven by motives unrelated to the interests of the Southeast people. “We take exception to the media trial of the commission in Abuja without proper oversight function by the Senate, which information available to NYCN indicates may have some other selfish motives other than the interest of the people of the South East,” Atigwe said.
Appeal to State Governors
The youth body further appealed to governors of the five Southeast states to sustain their support for the commission, insisting that unity of purpose and collaboration are essential for achieving development, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, and job creation across the region.
The council reiterated its commitment to stand firmly with the commission as it works towards building a stronger, more prosperous, and competitive Southeast.
