Newly inaugurated managing director and chief executive officer of the South East Development Commission (SEDC), Mark Okoye II, has promised to drive the South East towards a $200 billion regional economy by 2035, contributing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s $1 trillion GDP target.
Speaking at his inauguration, Okoye expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him and his team. The 38-year-old former Anambra State commissioner said, “We will begin executing our mandate to oversee the reconstruction and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure damaged by the Nigerian Civil War and tackling the region’s broader developmental challenges. Working with state governments, the private sector, and development partners, we will drive the South East towards a $200 billion regional economy by 2035, contributing to Mr President’s $1 trillion GDP target. In the coming months, the Commission will roll out key development projects, and an interactive website will launch soon to facilitate public engagement and ensure accountability. I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for the trust and confidence reposed in my colleagues and me to lead this historic institution.”
Okoye assured the SEDC’s tenure would prioritise measurable action over rhetoric, transparency over opacity, and public participation over exclusivity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the South-East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill into law, appointing Okoye II as the Commission’s pioneer managing director and chief executive officer.
Okoye is a seasoned investment and economic development expert with over 15 years of experience spanning investment banking, governance, and policy implementation. Before this role, he served as the managing director/CEO of the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) and previously as Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget, and Development Partners under the Anambra State Government. In these capacities, he played a pivotal role in shaping and executing economic policies that attracted investment and spurred development.
