NYCN South-East Reaffirms Support for Okoye, Defends SEDC as Driver of Regional Growth

The South-East Zone of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed strong confidence in the leadership of Mark Okoye, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), describing the commission as a key instrument for the economic transformation and long-term development of the region.

In a statement signed by Comrade Dr. Atigwe Henry Ifeanyi, Vice President of the NYCN South-East Zone, the youth body said it was compelled to publicly reaffirm its support for the Commission’s leadership amid ongoing public discussions about its performance and mandate.

According to the statement, the NYCN representing millions of young people across the five South-East states has closely monitored the activities of the SEDC since its establishment and believes it is steadily building the institutional foundation required to address the region’s long-standing developmental challenges.

The group noted that the creation of the Commission was met with high expectations across the South-East, particularly in addressing infrastructural deficits, youth unemployment, economic stagnation, environmental concerns, and broader socio-economic challenges affecting the region.

While acknowledging that the SEDC remains a young institution, the NYCN said it has shown early signs of commitment through strategic planning processes, stakeholder engagements, capacity-building initiatives, and programmes aimed at stimulating economic growth and creating opportunities for young people.

“The South East Development Commission stands today as one of the most proactive regional intervention agencies in the country,” the statement read. “Since its inauguration, the Commission has demonstrated a clear commitment to developmental programmes, strategic engagements, economic empowerment opportunities and institutional frameworks aimed at repositioning the South East for sustainable growth and prosperity.”

The youth council further described the Commission as a “beacon of hope” for many South-Easterners, noting that its efforts in investment attraction, infrastructure development, youth empowerment, and economic revitalisation are already building confidence among stakeholders.

It stressed that sustainable development requires patience, continuity, and institutional stability, warning against what it described as unrealistic expectations that could undermine the Commission’s long-term objectives.

The NYCN argued that no development agency can deliver transformational results within a short time frame, adding that success depends on visionary leadership, proper planning, stakeholder collaboration, and sustained public support.

The statement also expressed confidence in Okoye’s leadership, citing his experience in governance, economic development, public administration, and investment promotion as critical assets in guiding the Commission through its formative stage.

It urged citizens, community leaders, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to assess the Commission based on measurable achievements, ongoing projects, and long-term development goals rather than distractions or media controversies.

The youth body maintained that the development of the South-East cannot be achieved through division or actions that weaken institutions created to advance regional progress.

Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the SEDC and appointing its leadership, the NYCN said the move reflects a commitment to inclusive governance and balanced regional development.

It added that the establishment of the Commission represents a significant milestone in addressing the developmental needs of the South-East, particularly in promoting infrastructure growth, investment opportunities, and youth empowerment.

“The youths of the South East acknowledge and appreciate this confidence, and we assure the President of our continued support for every genuine effort aimed at accelerating development, creating opportunities for young people, strengthening infrastructure, promoting investment and enhancing economic growth across the region,” the statement added.

The group also cautioned against what it described as unconstructive media attacks on the Commission, insisting that accountability should be pursued through proper institutional and oversight channels rather than public disparagement.

It further called on South-East governors to deepen collaboration with the SEDC in order to maximise development outcomes across the region, particularly in job creation, industrialisation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and peace-building.

Reaffirming its position, the NYCN South-East Zone declared unwavering support for Okoye and the Commission, stating that both remain central to building a stronger economic foundation for the region’s future prosperity.

“Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous and more competitive South East,” the statement concluded.