Encomiums as Group honours Dr  Ogbede as member SEDC 

Austin Okoro DDM NEWS

On Tuesday 22nd of April, 2025, a group known as Imo Indigenes Global Initiative for Efficient Public Services honoured a distinguished Imo citizen Dr Clifford Ogbede for emerging the Executive Director Natural Resources, Agriculture & Rural Development, South East Development Commission SEDC.

The group and invitees at the event poured encomiums on Dr Ogbede at Protea Hotel Owerri under the distinguished chairmanship of Hon. Evang. Mike Ikoku.

The event was graced by Governor Hope Uzodinma ably represented by Hon Innocent Ikpamezie, member representing Mbaitoli state Constituency in Imo state House of Assembly and other dignitaries especially the Managing Director of South East Development Commission, Hon Mark Okoye.

Speaking during event, the Executive Director, Natural Resources, Agriculture & Rural Development, Dr Cliff Ogbede thanked the Almighty God and the organizers  for honouring him.

Dr Ogbede noted that he would use the opportunity to work for the development of the South East Region.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Hope Uzodinma and Hon Benjamin Kalu, the  Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representatives for appointing him.

Promising not to fail the leaders, the group, his classmates, his community and the entire Igbo land, Dr Ogbede assured of democratic dividends to South East Region, but asked for their support.

Another notable thing at the event was the goodwill messages and advise given to Dr Ogbede by his friends and associates to enable him succeed.

The Chairman organizing committee of the event and Coordinator of Imo Indigenes Global Initiative for Efficient Public Services, Hon Didi Ogugua said Dr Cliff Ogbede was a man of great capacity, a problem solver, Innovator and Community developer

Hon Ogugua hinted that the essence of hosting the event was to give meaning to South East Development Commission.

To let people at the grassroots know that it is their project and to tap into it,  noting that when offices are created, it is only on air but when people tap into it , it gives it meaning thereby bringing benefits.

The President General of Imo people in South Africa, Chief Uche. A. Uche said his interest in the whole thing is to make sure that development  comes into South East as it is in other regions.

He said his group would partner with Dr Ogbede to make South East Development Commission work so that everyone will benefit.

Barr John Sunny Unachukwu one of the members of the group and the former PDP candidate for  Ikeduru state Constituency  said they are in the platform to offer solutions and expertise to  Dr Ogbede because the portfolio he’s holding is very large and requires a whole lot of support.

High Chief Chidi Okorocha, a notable Traditional Prime Minister from Ehime Mbano said they came to remind the Executive Director that the youths of the South East should be part of the agenda of the commission.

He advised Ogbede to deliver in his assignment and prayed that South East Development Commission SEDC will be different from other commissions.

Engr Coleman Ehirim who flown in from Canada because of the event said his interest is to give his support to Ogbede to enable him succeed.

He said he has no doubt about the capacity of the Executive Director but that leadership is a different ball game and if he didn’t get the desired support, definitely failure is inevitable but if he gets the needed support definitely he will succeed.

Professor Uchenna Nwanguma said Dr Ogbede is a nice man and  a Community developer.

He urged the South Easterners to come together and work for the success of the commission adding that by the grace of God  Ogbede will do well.

Prof Uchenna argued that in all fairness, they expect him to attract federal infrastructures to the zone like roads, electricity, railways etc.

He thanked the organizers and hinted that the event was ideal because the people used it as an opportunity to remind him about what he is going there to do.

The highpoint of the event was a lavished entertainment on all the guest present at the event.