SEDC Vision 2050: Ohanaeze Urges FG to Fund Commission, Heal South-East Grievances

The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, has urged the Federal Government to prioritise the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) as a key instrument for national reconciliation and regional development.

Speaking at the South-East Development Commission Vision 2050 Regional Stakeholder Forum in Enugu, Sen. Azuta-Mbata described the commission as more than an infrastructure agency, calling it “a powerful instrument of healing for a region long affected by exclusion and neglect.”

The Igbo leader, addressing Vice President Kashim Shettima and the governors of the South-East, highlighted the importance of adequate funding and empowerment for the SEDC.

He warned that unresolved grievances in the region could threaten national cohesion if left unaddressed. “Providing the SEDC with sustained financial support would signal the Federal Government’s commitment to equity and justice for the Igbo people,” he said.

Sen.Azuta-Mbata described the Vision 2050 roadmap as a defining moment for the South-East within a united Nigeria.

He called on SEDC leadership to ensure its programmes are people-centred and capable of restoring public confidence.

“The commission’s mandate presents an opportunity to replace suspicion with trust and collaboration between the region and the centre,” he said.

The Ohanaeze leader also appealed to stakeholders to ensure accountability and oversight, particularly to make projects impactful for the youth.

Reiterating the forum’s theme, “Charting a Shared Path,” he emphasised that unlocking the South-East’s full potential requires a genuine pursuit of development and fairness.

“As Vision 2050 gathers momentum, we are optimistic that it will mark a turning point for Igboland, making the South-East a hub of shared prosperity while strengthening national unity through fairness,” he said.