Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has called on the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to prioritize attracting foreign investments and driving economic growth in the region.
The governor made this appeal on Saturday when he received a delegation from the commission, led by Chairman Dr. Emeka Wogu, at the Government House in Owerri.
SEDC's Role in Regional Development
The SEDC, established to boost socio-economic growth in the South East, was described by Uzodinma as a long-overdue intervention necessary to address the region's developmental challenges.
He outlined key areas the commission should focus on, including:
Strengthening agro-businesses and food security
Enhancing entrepreneurship opportunities
Providing digital skills training for youth
Attracting foreign investments to improve economic growth
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Uzodinma commended President Bola Tinubu for his "wisdom and courage" in supporting the commission's establishment, emphasizing that previous efforts to create it had been unsuccessful until now.
> "The establishment of this commission under the Tinubu administration is a great milestone. Our people will remain grateful for this initiative," he stated.
Call for Unity and Collaboration
The governor urged the SEDC leadership to foster unity and ensure effective collaboration between its board and management to guarantee the commission's success.
He stressed the need to engage critical stakeholders and conduct a needs assessment to identify the region's most urgent priorities.
South-East Governors Pledge Support
Uzodinma reassured the SEDC delegation that the five South-East governors would provide full support to the commission's initiatives, emphasizing that regional development should be a collective priority.
"The commission is made up of experienced individuals—technocrats, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and politicians—who have distinguished themselves in various sectors," he noted.
He urged the board members to trust in their capacity, avoid unnecessary distractions, and use the opportunity to contribute to the region's growth.
"We are here to support you," he added.
