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From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
South East Governors have agreed to work together to actualise a regional development master plan focused on security, agriculture, rail, roads and other critical infrastructure needed to fast-track growth across the five states.
The agreement was reached at the South East Vision 2050 (SEV 2050) Regional Stakeholders’ Forum held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, where leaders from across the region agreed on a common development direction anchored on cooperation rather than isolated state-based planning.
The forum also drew strong backing from the Federal Government, which pledged full support for the South East Development Commission (SEDC) to achieve its mandate.
Vice President Kashim Shettima launched the 25-year development blueprint for the region, describing the South East as a central pillar of Nigeria’s economic future.
He announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited to mobilise resources from the diaspora, capital markets and development finance institutions.
“This forum reflects foresight, responsibility and a shared understanding that the future is not something we wait for, but something we must deliberately design.
“In recognition of the distinctive character of the South-East, its entrepreneurial spirit, its global diaspora and its long-standing relationship with international capital, President Bola Tinubu approved the establishment of the South East Investment Company Limited,” Shettima said.
He explained that the company would work in synergy with the SEDC to address post-war infrastructure gaps and drive long-term competitiveness.
“Let me be clear. This is not another layer of bureaucracy. It is a delivery institution, focused on tangible outcomes that translate into jobs, productivity and growth,” he added.
Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State said the vision offered the region an opportunity to rethink its development trajectory and operate as a single economic bloc.
“I am here to invite you to a bold re-imagining of the South East as a single economic bloc. For too long, we have looked at our five states as individual islands, but the era of the solitary path is over.
“Today, I propose the birth of the South East Common Market, a bold, borderless unification of our commerce, talent and industrial grit.
“By fusing our five distinct economies into one powerhouse, we are no longer just negotiating for a seat at the table; we are building the table ourselves.
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“This is more than a policy shift; it is the awakening of an economic giant, transforming the South East into a single, seamless theatre of enterprise where our shared heritage fuels our collective prosperity.”
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State pledged his state’s support for the regional plan, noting that it would help close unemployment and poverty gaps, while unlocking economic potential in agriculture, education and solid minerals.
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State described the unanimous support for Vision 2050 as a proof that economic transformation of the region was achievable through transparent and committed leadership.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State thanked President Tinubu for establishing the SEDC, describing the framework as historic for the region.
On his part, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Sen. John Azuta-Mbata, while highlighting the feeling of exclusion which had taken root in the region, commended the Federal Government for prioritising integration and development through the summit.
He said: “The South East has contributed immensely to Nigeria’s growth through enterprise, innovation and resilience. Yet, it would be dishonest not to acknowledge that over the years, feelings of exclusion, neglect and unresolved grievances have taken root in parts of our region. These sentiments, if left unaddressed, can weaken national cohesion.
“It is in this context that the South-East Development Commission assumes profound significance. Beyond its statutory mandate, the Commission represents a powerful instrument of reconciliation and healing. When properly empowered, adequately funded and sincerely supported, it can become a visible demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to equity, justice and inclusive development.
On his part, Chairman of the South East Development Commission, Sir Emeka Wogu, thanked President Tinubu for his commitment to the progress and development of the South East.
He said the South East Vision 2050 was designed to ensure continuity in the execution of the region’s development agenda and synergy among the states.
The Managing Director of the SEDC, Mark Okoye, said the commission would partner state governments, the diaspora and the organised private sector to implement the Vision 2050 agenda, focusing on infrastructure, power, peace building and connectivity.
Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, said the creation of the SEDC reflected a firm institutional commitment to coordinated regional transformation, particularly in rail and commodity development.
Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole pledged her ministry’s support and described the South East as a potential springboard for Nigeria’s industrial transformation through export growth and trade facilitation.
The forum ended with a shared commitment by South East leaders to pursue coordinated regional development that delivers infrastructure, economic growth and sustainable prosperity for the people.
