Senate Appoints Kalu As Chairman South-East Devt Commission

The Senate has appointed Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia-North) as the substantive pioneer chairman of the newly established South-East Development Commission (SEDC), one of the Regional Development Commissions signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during yesterday’s plenary in Abuja. This follows Kalu’s previous role as chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation.

In addition, Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was appointed the commission’s vice chairman.

Akpabio further stated that the remaining committee members would be revealed.

Kalu, who had earlier chaired the screening ad hoc committee for regional development commissions in the North West and South East, is now tasked with overseeing the South-East Development Commission. His leadership will drive the commission’s goals, including civil restitution, tackling erosion, restoring security, and improving regional infrastructure.

In a related development, the Senate also confirmed the SEDC’s board membership following Senator Kalu’s report. Dr Emeka Nworgu will head the 18-member board, and Hon. Mark Okoye will be appointed the managing director and chief executive officer.

Other confirmed board members include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Kzenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali, Kumo Edward David Onoja, and Orure Kufre Inima.

Additional appointments include Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (Executive Director, Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (Executive Director, Corporate Services), and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (Executive Director, Projects).

Senator Anthony Agbo was appointed executive director of Commercial and Industrial Development, while Dr Clifford Ogbede will serve as executive director of Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development.