A former executive chairman of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and a prominent development scholar, Dr. Sam Amadi, has called for the establishment of South-East Development Commission (SEDC).
This was contained in his paper titled, “Roadmap to Accelerated Economic Transformation of the South East” delivered at the South-East Summit on Security and Economy (SESSE 2023).
In his address, Amadi emphasised the urgent need for coordinated efforts to bring about intentional development in the South-East region of Nigeria.
He stressed the importance of creating structures with the power of collectivity and a clear mandate for action to achieve tangible results.
He pointed out that the time for such actions was now, and the region should draw inspiration from its historical successes.
Amadi cited the rapid transformation of the Eastern Region of Nigeria during the First Republic, led by late Dr. Michael Okpara, as a remarkable achievement that the South-East could replicate.
He highlighted the need for leadership commitment and a strong drive for action rather than dwelling on limitations or past achievements.
He stated, “We cannot lament for too long about what we have done before, demonstrated to world acclaim, and can still do again even better, with an increasingly digitalized human capital and amazing zestful youth assets to exploit.”
Amadi further emphasised the importance of a coordinating body like the Eastern Nigeria Development Corporation and a strong political will, which made inclusion a norm and citizen mobilization a charm during the Region’s rapid growth.
He called for the proposed SEDC to function as interventionist agency efficiently without being hindered by personal interests or excessive political interference.
Drawing on historical examples, Amadi discussed the shift from agriculture to industries as a strategic move for the region’s economic recovery and growth, along with the importance of managing the private sector effectively.
Amadi stressed the need for political will, stating that “Political will is not a matter of rhetoric. It is determination backed up by resilience and willingness to sacrifice.”
He encouraged the South-East to embrace its wealth of ideas, engage in committed synergy, trust, and transparency, and embark on a reset for progress.
The South-East Summit on Security and Economy, hosted by the Governors of the five South-East States, aimed to inspire regional synergy for development and prosperity under the auspices of Ohaneze Ndigbo, with Senator Chris Anyanwu as chairperson of the Organising Committee in Owerri, Imo State capital.
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