The Nigerian Senate has announced Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the lawmaker representing Abia North as the substantive pioneer Chairman of the newly created South-East Development Commission (SEDC), one of the regional development commissions signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
Prior to his new appointment, which was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during today’s plenary, the former Abia State Governor chaired the Senate Committee on Privatisation.
Senator Ken Eze (Ebonyi Central) was also appointed as the Vice Chairman of the committee.
Akpabio further noted that other members of the committee will be announced in due course.
With this development, Kalu, who also chaired the screening ad hoc committee on regional development commissions for the North-West and South-East, is expected to lead other members of the committee in conducting oversight of the South-East Development Commission to achieve its laid-down objectives.
These include civil restitution, tackling erosion, restoring security, improving infrastructure, among others.
Additionally, the Senate confirmed the board membership of the SEDC after considering the report presented by Senator Kalu.
The 18-member board is led by Dr. Emeka Nworgu as Chairman, while Hon. Mark Okoye was confirmed as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer.
Other confirmed members include Ugochukwu H. Agballah, Hon. Okey Ikenwa, Chief Hyacinth Ikpor, Chidi Echeazu, Ifeanyi Agwu, Nasiru Usman, Hamma Adama Ali, Kumo Edward David Onoja, and Orure Kufre Inima.
Also appointed are Daniel Akwari, Chief (Mrs.) Joke Adebayo-Chukwuma, Hon. Stanley Ohajuruka (E.D. Finance), Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (E.D. Corporate Services), and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (E.D. Projects).
Others include Senator Anthony Agbo (E.D. Commercial and Industrial Development) and Dr. Clifford Ogbede (E.D. Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Rural Development).
