Maureen Okpe
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Federal Government, FG, private sector leaders, traditional authorities, and regional stakeholders in a bold step to enhance growth have forge a path for inclusive development and transformation.
The landmark high-level roundtable organized by the South East Development Commission in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme,UNDP, on Thursday in Abuja, with the theme “Rebuilding Legacy: Co-Creating a New Era of Growth in the South-East,” set the stage for a new era of growth and strategic investment in the region.
In her keynote address, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Ms. Elsie G. Attafuah, declared the moment a “turning point” for the South-East and for Nigeria at large.
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She lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for creating the Ministry of Regional Development and establishing the South-East Development Commission (SEDC), calling it a “pivotal milestone” that affirms the government’s commitment to regionally-driven development.
According to Attafuah, “The South-East is not only rich in natural and human capital, but also home to one of the world’s largest informal venture incubation systems,the Igbo apprenticeship model, which demonstrates an indigenous framework for wealth creation and inclusive growth.
“This is the time to blend traditional systems with formal investment mechanisms to power sustainable transformation.”
She announced the imminent launch of Nigeria’s Green and Social Investment Taxonomy Framework, modeled after global examples in South Africa and Rwanda, which will attract green-focused capital from global markets. This she stated, will help speak the language of international investors, and position the South-East as a hub for purpose-driven finance.
She also highlighted UNDP’s Integrated Smart States Programme, designed to deliver transformative impact through innovation hubs, clean energy infrastructure, and MSME development under the made in Nigeria initiative.
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Attafuah emphasized that the goal is to make the South-East Africa’s preferred investment destination by 2030.
Deputy Speaker, House of Rep. Benjamin Ekezie Kalu, described the South-East as a resilient and youthful region brimming with potential.
Kalu, represented by Chairman of the House Committee on the South-East Development Commission, Hon. Chris Nkwonta said, “With a population exceeding 29 million, more than 60% of whom are under 30, the South-East is not just a zone of opportunity, it is a zone of urgency.”
He called for renewed attention to infrastructure gaps, youth unemployment, and underutilized economic assets such as the Abia Palm Plantation and Akwuete Weaving Centre.
“Let us transition from fragmented efforts to coordinated strategies, and from one-time interventions to long-term investments,” he urged.
Chairman of the SEDC, Dr. Emeka Wogu, described the roundtable as a milestone in Nigeria’s development journey and a launchpad for stakeholders confidence and collaboration.
He said, “What begins here today will lay the foundation for a new model of cooperation. The Commission is committed to opening its doors and engaging transparently with all partners.”
For his part, the Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, reiterated that the event aligns squarely with President Tinubu’s regional development priorities.
He acknowledged the South-East’s proactive stance and emphasized the need for inclusive development that is inclusive of women, youth, and vulnerable populations.
He said, “This roundtable is not just a conversation. It is a shared opportunity to deliver real, measurable change.”
Providing an insight to the commission, SEDC Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Mark Okoye, unveiled a pipeline of catalytic programs. These include the South-East Regional Economic and Industrial Program, the South-East Agro-Development Program targeting 50,000 hectares for food security, the South-East Security Intervention Programme, and the South-East Investment Company (SEIC), which will function as a private-sector-led investment vehicle.
Additionally, he introduced the $50 million South-East Venture Capital Fund, designed to bridge capital and ecosystem gaps for startups and MSMEs in the region.
He also revealed the South-East Grassroots Recreational Infrastructure Development (SEGRID) initiative, which will invest in sports and recreational infrastructure to harness youth potential.
Okoye stressed that the Commission is focused on both infrastructure and institution building. “Our aim is to build long-term capital, strengthen partnerships, and deliver projects from concept to bankability,” he said.
“The SEIC will take equity in viable ventures, making the region attractive to domestic and international investors.”