SEDC is Meant to Address Post-War Neglect, Enhance Regional Growth…Says Senator Ani

By Wilson Ogbonnaya Okereke, Abakaliki

The newly appointed Vice Chairman of South East Development Commission (SEDC), Senator Professor Anthony Okorie Ani has disclosed that the commission was established principally to tackle the historical neglect and marginalization of the South-East region. He made this known to newsmen on 6th May, 2025 shortly after his appointment adding that the commission would transform the region by boosting economic growth, development and social integration. The lawmaker added that the Commission was officially established on 24th July, 2024, shortly after the bill was signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu while its Board was inaugurated on 12th February, 2025, which marked the beginning of operations geared towards tackling the post-war neglect. Senator Ani who is representing Ebonyi South Senatorial district at the National Assembly further said that the commission is saddled with the responsibilities of reconstructing war-damaged roads and houses, tackle ecological challenges and unlock the region’s dormant commercial potentials in the component states as Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. According to him, the objectives of SEDC include investing in agriculture and technology to stimulate entrepreneurship and job creation. He added that the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of SEDC in the person of Mark Okoye was nominated by President Bola Tinubu on 6th December, 2024 and confirmed by the Senate on January 2025. He assured of putting the best of his knowledge to ensure that the age long neglect against the South-East region is corrected.