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From Magnus Eze, Enugu
The Association of Igbo Town Unions (ASITU) has vowed to beam its searchlight on the activities of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC) to ensure that the interventionist agency did not become another conduit for politicians and their allies to siphon public funds.
National President of ASITU, Chief Emeka Diwe, indicated that the group would deploy its presence across the length and breadth of the zone to ensure adherence to the founding principles and the Act establishing the Commission.
ASITU said the establishment of SEDC marked a critical milestone in the pursuit of accelerated development and transformation of Igbo land, noting that the Commission must address the unique challenges of the region.
It further enjoined all stakeholders to keep tab on the Commission, saying that as Town Unions, they would remain ever resolute about building an Igbo land that reflects the aspirations of their forebears and secures a brighter future for generations to come.
“The South East is a region still grappling with the aftermath of the 30-month civil war that left an indelible mark of destruction, death, and economic ravage. Decades later, the scars of that tragic conflict remain visible in our underdeveloped infrastructure, weakened social institutions, and persistent economic challenges. For this reason, SEDC has a moral and legal obligation to address these gaps holistically, ensuring that its mandate serves the collective interests of Ndigbo and contributes meaningfully to the socioeconomic revitalisation of our homeland.
“Historically, the resilience and ingenuity of Igbo communities have been the bedrock of our progress. Since the war, much of the development in Igbo land has been driven by town unions through the self-help approach. These unions have spearheaded the construction of schools, health centres, roads, and water projects, demonstrating the power of grassroots mobilisation and community spirit of the Igbo. As a result, ASITU insists that SEDC must align with the exemplary legacy of the town unions by prioritising transparency, accountability, and impactful programmes that address the real needs of the people, especially those at the grassroots.
“The stance of ASITU against any form of malfeasance in the Commission is a reflection of our determination to protect the developmental aspirations of our people. If any individual or group within the SEDC deviates from its mandate to engage in corruption or wasteful practices, ASITU will not hesitate to expose such actions and demand accountability. Igbo people have endured too much to allow the derailment of any initiative tailored towards our collective well-being.
“Beyond infrastructure, SEDC must prioritise rebuilding the social institutions and value systems that were disrupted by the war. The erosion of trust, communal values, and cultural heritage continues to undermine the potential of our society. We urge the Commission to also invest in programmes that promote education, skills acquisition, ethical leadership, and cultural preservation. These are critical pillars for fostering a sense of identity, purpose, and collective progress,” Diwe said.
ASITU also restated its call to Ndigbo at home and in the diaspora to embrace the ‘Aku Ruo Ulo’ (Think-home) investment initiative, explaining that the town unions were ready to partner individuals, corporate entities, and international organisations to realise this vision.
