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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Executive Director of Agriculture, Rural Development and Natural Resources in the South East Development Commission, Clifford Ogbede, has stated that the establishment of the commission reflects President Bola Tinubu’s love for the South East.
Ogbede, who spoke when members of the Ngor Okpala Journalists Forum paid him a congratulatory visit at his Umuekwune, Obiangwu, country home in Ngor Okpala, Imo State, noted that there was no other way to describe the president’s gesture in creating the commission than as an act of deep love and concern. He emphasised that the challenge addressed by the commission had not only lingered for over fifty years but was also an existential problem.
He noted that the clamour for the rebuilding of the South East after the civil war in the 70s remained a burning national issue until a few months ago. He pointed out that despite sustained agitations and the imperative of such action, all past administrations bluntly refused to act on it.
He stressed that for President Tinubu to brave the odds and become the only president in the history of the country to buy into the idea of rebuilding and reintegration, and to create a body to oversee the process, demonstrates very noble intentions for the zone.
The Executive Director lauded the President for mustering the political and moral will to end the lingering perceived marginalisation of the zone. He added that the action will not only accelerate progress and development in the zone but also drastically reduce the tensions and agitations that have followed the perceived mistreatment of the area.
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Ogbede also praised the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, for the pivotal role he played in bringing the SEDC dream to fruition, both within and outside the chambers of the National Assembly.
Similarly, he applauded members of both chambers of the 10th National Assembly for working harmoniously with the President to ensure the speedy and seamless creation of the agency.
In addition, Dr Ogbede expressed confidence that with the calibre of men and women with proven leadership and management skills, experience, and track records appointed by the president to run the affairs of the commission, the mandates given to it would be achieved.
Regarding his own appointment, he described it as a “call to service,” noting that it aligns perfectly with his natural tendency for service to God and humanity. He promised to serve with integrity, commitment, humility, love for the people, and fear of God.
He thanked the group for coming to identify with him and called on them to partner with the commission as they begin the onerous job of rebuilding the zone.
According to him, as opinion moulders and shapers from the zone, supporting the SEDC would greatly help in delivering on its mandates. He assured them of his readiness, as well as that of the commission, to work closely with them.
