Senate Appoints Senator Kalu As Pioneer Chairman South East Development Commission

The Nigerian Senate has announced Senator Orji Uzor Kalu (APC, Abia North) as the substantive pioneer Senate Committee Chairman of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).

The commission, one of the regional development bodies recently signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, aims to address developmental challenges in the South-East region.

The appointment was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary on Tuesday Before his new role, Senator Kalu, a former Governor of Abia State, served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatisation.

Also appointed was Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) as the Vice Chairman of the SEDC committee. Senate President Akpabio further stated that other members of the committee would be announced in due course.

As Chairman, Senator Kalu is expected to lead the commission in fulfilling its mandate, which includes:

• Civil restitution
• Erosion control
• Security restoration
• Infrastructure development

His appointment follows his recent role as Chairman of the screening ad hoc committee on the regional development commissions for both the North West and South East regions.

Meanwhile, the Senate has also confirmed the 18-member board of the SEDC following the consideration of a report presented by Senator Kalu.

The confirmed board members are:

• Dr. Emeka Nworgu – Chairman
• Hon. Mark Okoye – Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer
• Ugochukwu H. Agballah
• Hon. Okey Izenwa
• Chief Hyacinth Ikpor
• Chidi Echeazu
• Ifeanyi Agwu
• Nasiru Usman
• Hamma Adama Ali
• Kumo Edward David Onoja
• Orure Kufre Inima
• Daniel Akwari
• Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma
• Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (E.D. Finance)
• Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (E.D. Corporate Services)
• Hon. Toby Okechukwu (E.D. Projects)
• Senator Anthony Agbo (E.D. Commercial & Industrial Development)
• Dr. Clifford Ogbede (E.D. Natural Resources, Agriculture & Rural Development)

The confirmation of the board members sets the stage for the full operation of the South East Development Commission, which is expected to drive socio-economic development and address key challenges in the region.

With Senator Orji Uzor Kalu at the helm, the SEDC is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure, security, and economic development in the South-East, aligning with the broader objectives of President Tinubu’s administration.