The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Southeast Development Commission (SEDC), Mr. Mark Okoye, has called on young people in the region to renew their confidence in government and hold their leaders accountable.
Speaking at a reception organized in his honor by youth organizations in Anambra on Friday, Okoye urged the youth to actively engage in governance and take advantage of opportunities available through federal initiatives.
Groups present at the event included the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Wing, National Youth Council of Nigeria, Not Too Young To Run, National Union of Anambra State Students, and several political support organizations.
Okoye acknowledged the historical neglect and unmet expectations that have led to widespread apathy among youths in the Southeast. However, he stressed that ignorance of available programs and disengagement from political processes remain significant barriers.
“The Southeast youth must see themselves as integral parts of the Nigerian project. They must claim their rights with boldness and full citizenship,” he said.
Describing the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as youth-friendly, Okoye highlighted the appointment of several young Nigerians—under 40—to head federal ministries, departments, and agencies.
He encouraged the youths to take advantage of government programs such as the NELFUND undergraduate loan scheme, business support funds, and recruitment opportunities in the Army and Police.
“We are part of this country. We must participate in governance, identify what’s rightfully ours, and demand accountability from our leaders,” he said. “Southeast has one of the lowest application rates for NELFUND and security recruitment. We are missing out on programs designed to empower us.”
Okoye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for establishing the SEDC within his first year in office, a feat he noted had eluded six military regimes and five civilian presidents over the past 54 years.
He emphasized that the Commission is poised to invest in infrastructure and work with the five Southeast governors to transform the region into Nigeria’s leading investment hub.
“Our mission is not just to develop the Southeast for its residents but to make it a catalyst for national growth. We’ll build on our comparative advantages and promote collaboration across the region,” he added.
Okoye revealed that the SEDC’s development roadmap was approved just two days after its inauguration and that the Commission is ready to partner with youth groups on transformative programs.
He said key focus areas include mechanized agriculture, infrastructure development to support industrial parks, tech innovation hubs in universities, and the promotion of youth participation in the sports economy—estimated globally at $700 billion.
In a welcome address, Mr. Tochukwu Obiadi, a youth leader, thanked President Tinubu for appointing Okoye, pledging the commitment of Anambra youth to support the Commission’s goals.
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Mr. Ken Okoli described Okoye’s appointment as a sign that youths are now central to national governance, and expressed confidence in the SEDC’s role in integrating the region into the “Renewed Hope” agenda.
Also speaking, Mr. Chineme Oguegbe, Chairman of the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in Anambra, described Okoye as a role model and urged the Commission to develop a comprehensive youth empowerment policy.
