The governing board of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) has sanctioned the transfer of the commission’s primary administrative functions to Enugu and has authorized the launch of several key development programs scheduled for 2026.
These decisions were finalized during the board’s third extraordinary meeting, which also functioned as its concluding statutory session for the 2025 calendar year. The session was presided over by Chief Emeka Wogu, Chairman of the SEDC Board of Trustees.
During the meeting, the board conducted a comprehensive review of the commission’s progress in program implementation, institutional performance, and strategic partnerships established throughout 2025.
Mark Okoye, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the SEDC, characterized 2025 as a foundational period dedicated to establishing robust systems, governance frameworks, and collaborative relationships. He extended gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support in the commission’s establishment and operationalization.
Okoye also acknowledged the guidance provided by the Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun. He commended the Governors of the South-East states for their backing, with specific appreciation for Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for facilitating office space to serve as the commission’s new headquarters.
The board recognized several milestones achieved in 2025, including the development of essential governance documents, the formation of internal management committees, and proactive engagements with federal agencies, development finance institutions, and private sector stakeholders.
Significant progress was reported on the South-East Regional Development Plan and the initial design of major infrastructure and economic programs. The board confirmed that concrete arrangements are underway to complete the relocation of core operations to Enugu in early 2026.
Following its deliberations, the board formally endorsed the 2025 year-in-review report and approved operational priorities for the first half of 2026. These priorities encompass the full transition to the Enugu headquarters and the activation of flagship programs.
Approved initiatives include the South-East Venture Capital Programme, the M. I. Okpara Fellowship, the establishment of the South-East Investment Company, and a Project Preparation Facility. The board also greenlit the commencement of stakeholder consultations to advance the regional development plan and endorsed plans for strategic recruitment to bolster institutional capacity.
In a statement, Board Chairman Chief Emeka Wogu emphasized the significance of the relocation: “In endorsing the Commission’s relocation to Enugu, the Board affirms that SEDC must remain firmly rooted in the region it was created to serve. This move is more than administrative; it is a symbolic and strategic step toward ensuring our work is directly felt by the communities whose future we are shaping.”
Managing Director Mark Okoye added, “The South East is ready for bankable projects. Our focus is to build credibility, structure, and partnerships that unlock long-term financing for transformational infrastructure.”
The board reiterated its commitment to supporting management in building a transparent and effective development institution. It concluded by thanking all partners and expressing optimism that 2026 would be a year of tangible delivery and measurable impact for the region.
This report is based on information from the official SEDC board meeting. For the original coverage, please visit: The Nation Newspaper.