President Bola Tinubu announced changes to the proposed leadership of the South East Development Commission (SEDC) on Saturday, following a revision of the initial nominees.
A press release from the State House, seen by The Telegraph, confirmed that the updated list has already been submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
The revised list, announced on December 6, 2024, includes key adjustments aimed at strengthening the Commission’s ability to drive development in the South East region. Notably, President Tinubu replaced the initially nominated chairman, Emeka Atuma, with Dr. Emeka Nworgu.
On Friday, Tinubu had introduced Atuma and other appointees as part of leadership appointments for the North West Development Commission. However, in the latest reshuffle, further changes were made to the South East Development Commission’s board, as detailed in a statement signed by Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and shared on X on Saturday.
The statement revealed that three executive directors initially nominated were replaced, with two new executive directors added to the board. Among the changes, Stanley Ohajuruka was appointed as the new Executive Director of Finance, replacing Anthony Ugbo, while Toby Okechukwu became the new Executive Director of Projects, taking over from Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo was appointed Executive Director of Corporate Services, succeeding Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.
Additionally, two new executive directors without specific portfolios—Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede—were included on the board.
Mark C. Okoye was retained as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity at the helm of the Commission. However, the revised list saw the removal of board member Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa.
Despite these adjustments, several nominees from the initial list remain in place, including Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo, as well as Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.
The reshuffled list increases the Commission’s board membership from 15 to 16. Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu expects the new appointees, as pioneers, to leverage their experience and expertise in fulfilling the Commission’s mandate to foster growth and development in the South East.
“All nominations are subject to Senate confirmation, marking an important step in positioning the SEDC as a key driver of progress and innovation in the South East,” the statement concluded.
