Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Minister for Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, has been nominated to chair the proposed South-East Development Commission, SEDC, board as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, again tinkered with the original list of nominees earlier presented to the Senate.
He replaced Chief Emeka Atuma initially pencilled down for the job.
This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Dayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the updated list has new appointments “aimed at strengthening the Commission’s capacity to drive development in the South-East region.”
The statement read: “The President replaced all the three executive Directors initially nominated and named two additional executive directors.”
The reshuffled list also includes a new Executive Director of Finance, Stanley Ohajuruka, who replaces Anthony Ugbo.
According to the updated list, Hon. Toby Okechukwu has been appointed as the new Executive Director of Projects, taking over from Obinna Obiekweihe. Chief Sylvester Okonkwo will now serve as Executive Director of Corporate Services, succeeding Dr. Daniel Ikechukwu Ugwuja.
Additionally, two executive directors without specific portfolios—Chidi Echeazu and Dr. Clifford Ogbede—have been added to the board.
The President retained Mark C. Okoye as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, ensuring continuity at the Commission’s helm.
However, the new list sees the removal of board member Donatus Eyinnah Nwankpa.
These include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Okey Ezenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, and Hamma Adama Ali Kumo. Others retained are Edward David Onoja, Orure Kufre Inima, and Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma.
The revised list increases the board’s membership from 15 to 16. Onanuga noted, “President Tinubu expects the new nominees, as pioneers, to use their wealth of experience and expertise to actualise the Commission’s mandate and develop the South East region.”
“All the nominations are subject to Senate confirmation, marking a crucial step in establishing the SEDC as a driver of growth and innovation in the South-East,” the statement concluded.
Recall that Tinubu recently signed into law the SEDC Bill after its passage by the National Assembly.
The Bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, and member representing Bende federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu.
