President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a revised leadership structure for the South East Development Commission (SEDC), with several key appointments made to enhance the Commission’s capacity to foster development in the region.
In a statement issued on December 6, 2024, the President revealed that the updated list of nominees has been submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The new appointments include the replacement of Emeka Atuma, who was initially nominated as chairman, with Dr. Emeka Nworgu.
Atuma was previously announced alongside other leaders for the North West Development Commission on Friday.
The reshuffling, confirmed in a press release from the President’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also included changes to the executive directors.
“The President replaced all three executive directors initially nominated and added two new executive directors,” the statement noted.
Among the adjustments, Stanley Ohajuruka has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo.
Toby Okechukwu will take over as Executive Director of Projects, succeeding Obinna Obiekweihe.
Chief Sylvester Okonkwo is now the Executive Director of Corporate Services, filling the position previously held by Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.
In addition, two new executive directors without specific portfolios have been appointed: Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede.
Despite the changes, continuity is maintained with the retention of Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer. However, Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa has been removed from the board.
Several nominees from the initial list have been retained, including Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, along with Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma. The new list increases the board’s membership from 15 to 16.
Onanuga emphasized that the President expects the new appointees, as pioneers, to leverage their experience and expertise to achieve the Commission’s mandate and stimulate growth in the South East region.
The final approval of the nominations is subject to Senate confirmation, a key step in the establishment of the SEDC as a catalyst for regional development.
