The House Committee on the South-East Development Commission was established by Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
“The committee’s inauguration reflects a collective commitment to ensuring the South-East receives the development and investment it deserves,” Abbas remarked during the ceremony held in Abuja on Wednesday.
He highlighted the South-East’s industry, resilience, and strong entrepreneurial spirit, calling it the start of fresh initiatives to realize its full potential.
Abbas claims that the creation of the SEDC shows that the South-East region urgently needs targeted infrastructure development, economic revitalization, and social advancement.
He pointed out that issues including gully erosion, infrastructure deterioration, economic decline, young unemployment, and the aftereffects of instability had long plagued the area.
According to Abbas, the commission was established to promote progress, modernization, and recovery, establishing the South-East as a center for trade, innovation, and industrial expansion.
“I give this committee the task of making sure the commission gets off to a quick start by giving infrastructure, industry support, human capital development, and peace and security first priority.
“This is about bettering the lives of millions who look to us for leadership and real solutions, not just about policy oversight,” he stated. Committee members were asked by Abbas to approach their duties with dedication, patriotism, and a strong sense of commitment to the South-East and Nigeria in general.
“There is a huge work ahead, and there are tremendous expectations. But I have faith that you can overcome the obstacle and leave a lasting impression if you work together and are determined.
You are the commission’s first oversight committee. The history of this school will be significantly impacted by the foundation you lay,” he continued.
To ensure that all policies and programs serve the greater interest of the region and the country, he emphasized the importance of inclusivity, transparency, and a results-driven approach.
Abbas promised that the House would fully support the committee in its endeavors to guarantee that the commission achieves its goals and turns into a regional development model.
In his speech, the committee’s chairman, Chris Nkwocha, characterized their work as a transformative process aimed at ensuring the South-East has a successful and sustainable future.
54 years after the Civil War, he hailed the creation of the SEDC as a significant accomplishment that supports the President’s Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation program.
He claimed that this action had a profound impact on the South-East, garnering goodwill and opening the door for closer regional cooperation with the Federal Government.
“As a committee, our mandate is clear: we oversee all matters concerning the South-East Development Commission.”
Nkwocha said, emphasizing the importance of accountability and making sure the commission stays open and upholds the confidence and expectations of Nigerians.
“In our oversight duties, we will enforce strict scrutiny to guarantee transparency and effectiveness in all commission activities,” he said.
In contrast to flimsy projects like streetlights or little interventions with few advantages, Nkwocha asked the commission to give priority to significant, long-term projects.
He emphasized, “We are focused on making sure that every intervention provides the people of the South-East with tangible benefits and lasting value.”
Nkwocha expressed trust in the committee’s knowledge and commitment to making sure the SEDC fulfills its goal and makes significant progress in spite of obstacles.
He exhorted committee members to conduct their work with the utmost accountability and transparency.