The South East Development Commission (SEDC) has approved the launch of flagship human capital and innovation programmes, including the South East Venture Capital Program and the M. I. Okpara Fellowship, alongside the activation of bankable infrastructure projects through the Project Preparation Facility and the South East Investment Company. These approvals were made at the 3rd Extraordinary Meeting of its Board.
The meeting, which also served as the final statutory session for 2025, was chaired by the Board Chairman, Dr. Emeka Wogu, CON. During the session, the Board conducted a comprehensive review of the Commission’s programme implementation, institutional performance, and strategic engagements throughout the year, laying the foundation for priority actions and strategic direction for 2026.
In his report, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mark Okoye, described 2025 as a foundational year focused on building strong systems, governance structures, and strategic partnerships needed to position the Commission for long term regional impact. He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and support for the establishment and operationalisation of the Commission.
Okoye also acknowledged the Honourable Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, and the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun, for their guidance and constructive collaboration during the year. He commended South East Governors for their support, particularly the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, for providing office space to serve as the Commission’s headquarters.
The MD/CEO further recognised the contributions of Board Members, Executive Directors, civil servants posted to the Commission, and support staff for their commitment throughout the year. He noted that these collective efforts supported the Commission’s transition and growing presence within the South East region during its first full year of operations.
The Board highlighted key achievements recorded in 2025, including the development of governance and administrative frameworks, the establishment of internal management and advisory committees, and strategic engagements with Federal MDAs, Development Finance Institutions, State Governments, private sector leaders, and the South East diaspora, as well as progress on the South East Regional Development Plan.
Other achievements included concept development for major programmes such as the South East Economic Corridor, the South East Investment Company, the South East Venture Capital Program, the South East Grassroot Sports Infrastructure Development Program, and the Project Preparation Facility, alongside concrete steps toward relocating core operations to Enugu in early 2026.
Following deliberations, the Board endorsed the 2025 Year in Review Report and approved operational priorities for the first half of 2026. These include full transition to the Enugu headquarters, activation of priority programmes, commencement of stakeholder consultations on the Regional Development Plan, and strengthening institutional capacity through targeted recruitment.
The Board also noted fiscal realities outlined in the 2026 Call Circular, commended Management for maintaining strong partnerships, and directed Standing Committees to continue oversight across environment, projects, commercial development, inclusion, finance, security, and legal matters. Confidence was expressed in the Commission’s readiness for visible programme rollout in 2026.
Speaking on relocation, Dr. Emeka Wogu, CON, stated, “In endorsing the Commission’s relocation to Enugu, the Board affirms that SEDC must remain firmly rooted in the region it was created to serve.” On infrastructure, Okoye said, “The South East is ready for bankable projects.”
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Management in building a transparent, disciplined institution. The meeting marked the Board’s final sitting for 2025, with appreciation to stakeholders and optimism that 2026 will deliver measurable impact across the South East.
